The relationship of ceruloplasmin and neural tube defects

Abstract

To compare the levels of ceruloplasmin (cp) in the amniotic fluids and maternal bloods of second trimester fetuses with and without neural tube defects (NTD). 66 pregnant women were included in the study. Amniocentesis was performed in 32 women in a patient group diagnosed as NTD or anencephaly and 34 pregnants in a control group with positive Down Syndrome screening test. Maternal bloods were also taken. Cp was measured with Erel's ceruloplasmin measurement method. The cp levels of the amniotic fluid of patients and controls were not statistically different (p>0.05). The cp levels of the maternal bloods were not different in two groups (p>0.05). As an antioxidant, no relation was found between cp and NTD.