Question

Alpha-fetoprotein testing from amniotic fluid is used for early diagnosis of which of the following?

A. Fetal neural tube defects
B. Fetal alcoholism
C. Anencephaly
D. Fetal drug addiction
E. Both fetal neural tube defects and anencephaly

Answer 1

Alpha-fetoprotein testing from amniotic fluid is predominantly used to detect fetal neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The correct option is e.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alpha-fetoprotein testing from amniotic fluid is used for the early diagnosis of fetal neural tube defects and anencephaly. Folate, a B vitamin, is crucial for the proper development of the neural tube in a fetus.

A deficiency in maternal folate can lead to neural tube defects including spina bifida, where spinal tissue protrudes through the vertebral column, and the more severe anencephaly, characterized by the partial or complete absence of brain tissue.

Alpha-fetoprotein testing can detect these conditions by analyzing amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells. Amniocentesis, the procedure used to collect the amniotic fluid, provides important insights into the genetic health of the baby. The correct option is e.

Answer 2

Alpha-fetoprotein testing detects neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly, conditions related to folate deficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alpha-fetoprotein testing from amniotic fluid is used for early diagnosis of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and also the more severe defect known as anencephaly. These conditions are linked to insufficient folate during early pregnancy, and alpha-fetoprotein testing helps in their detection. While amniotic fluid can indicate various aspects of genetic health, exposure to teratogens like alcohol can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which are not detected via this testing method.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing from amniotic fluid is used for the early diagnosis of fetal neural tube defects and anencephaly. Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, occur due to a deficiency of maternal folate in the first weeks of pregnancy, which can be detected through AFP testing. Anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect characterized by the partial or complete absence of brain tissue, can also be identified through AFP testing.