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Biamnial elevated alpha‐fetoprotein and positive acetylcholinesterase in twins, one with anencephaly
Author(s) -
Holbrook R. Harold,
Krovoza Ann M.,
Schelley Susan,
Ferguson James E.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
prenatal diagnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.956
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1097-0223
pISSN - 0197-3851
DOI - 10.1002/pd.1970070907
Subject(s) - anencephaly , acetylcholinesterase , concordance , amniotic fluid , aché , neural tube , neural tube defect , medicine , endocrinology , biology , fetus , pregnancy , enzyme , embryo , biochemistry , genetics
Anencephaly in twin B was accompanied by elevated amniotic fluid alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and a positive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) band on gel electrophoresis in both twin sacs, although twin A was normal. AChE results did not help distinguish the false positive AFP in this set of twins, implying that AChE may diffuse transamniotically as has been previously postulated for AFP. In light of the low concordance rate for neural tube defects in twins, patient counselling in this situation must include the information that AFP and AChE may be falsely elevated in normal twin when the other twin has a neural tube defect.