Françoise Muller1. 1. Laboratoire de Biochimie, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, 9 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 92104 Boulogne Cedex, France. francoise.muller@apr.ap-hop-paris.fr
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Neural tube defects (NTDs) can be considered as a folate deficiency disorder. The prevalence of NTDs ranges from about 0.5 to 6 in 1,000 births. DISCUSSION: Two steps can be distinguished in biochemical screening for NTDs: 1. Screening in the general population, which is based on two complementary methods, maternal serum AFP screening and ultrasound screening; 2. Screening in a high-risk group, which requires fetal scanning by an expert sonographer. CONCLUSION: Amniocentesis for acetylcholinesterase electrophoresis is indicated when sonographic scans are difficult to interpret.
INTRODUCTION:Neural tube defects (NTDs) can be considered as a folate deficiency disorder. The prevalence of NTDs ranges from about 0.5 to 6 in 1,000 births. DISCUSSION: Two steps can be distinguished in biochemical screening for NTDs: 1. Screening in the general population, which is based on two complementary methods, maternal serum AFP screening and ultrasound screening; 2. Screening in a high-risk group, which requires fetal scanning by an expert sonographer. CONCLUSION: Amniocentesis for acetylcholinesterase electrophoresis is indicated when sonographic scans are difficult to interpret.