Publication:

Study and analysis of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels as a biomarker of placental adherence in low lying placenta

Background The objective was to study and analyze maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels as a biomarker of placental adherence in low lying placenta.

Methods This was a prospective observational study analysing the conditions and the data of 80 cases with low lying placenta in a tertiary care hospital. The analysis was done for the association of MSAFP with MRI, perinatal and maternal outcome.

Results The level of MSAFP was found higher in 12 out of 13 cases (93.3%) of placenta previa with placental adherence. There was significant surgical intervention (80%) and increased maternal morbidity (68.8%) in the study group with placental adherence and raised MSAFP respectively.

Conclusions MSAFP is an important biomarker for prognostication of placental adherence in low lying placenta.