MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN AND EPITHELIAL TUMOR-MARKER CONCENTRATIONS ARE NOT INCREASED BY FETAL SACROCOCCYGEAL TERATOMA

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and total beta-human chorionic gonadotrophiri (hCG) concentrations were measured at the 15th gestatio nal week in ten pregnancies complicated by fetal sacrococcygeal terato ma. The findings corresponded to those in normal pregnancies. Similarl y, third-trimester concentrations of cancer antigen 12-5, tumour-assoc iated trypsin inhibitor, and the amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen in the maternal serum were not significantly elevated. Hi stologically mature and immature/malignant cases did not differ from e ach other as regards the above-mentioned parameters. This abnormality cannot be detected by maternal serum trisomy screening in the second t rimester.