Fetal proteinuria in diagnosis of congenital nephrosis detected by raised alpha-fetoprotein in maternal serum. Issue 6052 (1st January 1977)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thom, H; Johnstone, F D; Gibson, J I; Scott, G B; Noble, D W
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 1:Issue 6052(1977)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 1977-01-01
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.1.6052.16
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : High concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP) were found at 14, 19, and 21 weeks gestation in the serum of a woman with a history of unexplained fetal death in her previous pregnancies. The alpha-FP concentration of the liquor also was high at 21 weeks and the pregnancy was terminated. Though the fetus was macroscopically normal, measurement of albumin, alpha-FP, IgG, and alpha2-macroglobulin in the fetal urine showed a selective proteinuria, and congenital nephrosis was diagnosed after examination of the fetal kidneys by electron microscopy. Possibly some fetuses reported to be "false-positive for neural tube defect" may have had renal lesions of this nature. Examination of fetal urine may be the simplest initial diagnostic procedure in any future case.