MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN SCREENING FOR NEURAL-TUBE DEFECTS - REPORT OF A PROGRAM WITH MORE THAN 30000 SCREENED PREGNANCIES

Maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) screening has been set up in A sturias, in the north of Spain, in 1987 in order to make possible the prenatal diagnosis of neural tube defects (NTD) to overall pregnancy p opulation. This large study shows the high sensitivity and specificity of MSAFP screening when it is done with absolute control of all varia bles such as gestational age, pregnant woman's weight, diabetes, etc. On the other hand, this study also shows a poor sensitivity second lev el ultrasound for the early diagnosis of NTD in the presence of spina bifidas With no bulge. We have also observed that the incidence of NTD in Asturias remained constant in the last six years, around 1.5-1.6 p er 1000 pregnancies. However, due to MSAFP screening, there has been a decline in the prevalence of children born with these defects. We con clude that MSAFP screening is the best tool to identify and reduce NTD in our Region (Spain).