An Analytical Study on Screening Methods of Foetal Abnormalities Associated with Alpha-Fetoprotein Level

Abstract

Adopting scoping review approach, this article aims to conduct an analytical study on screening methods of foetal abnormalities associated with Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) level, which is defined as plasma protein produced by the foetus. The issue of foetal abnormalities associated with AFP levels is increasingly getting serious. The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) is significantly higher in the group of women with abnormal level of maternal serum-alpha fetoprotein (MS-AFP) than in women with normal MS-AFP. According to recent research findings, the spontaneous abortion, structural foetal abnormalities, and preterm birth has the highest occurrence rates of APOs. Applies the scoping review approach, this article aims analyze the screening methods on foetal abnormalities associated with AFP levels. The main purpose of the study is to provide a holistic view on screening method. This holistic approach comprises various analytical aspects, including data analysis and evaluation of the screening methods. The study is anticipated to provide an effective method of understanding how screening methods can contribute in clarifying problems of foetal abnormalities linked with AFP levels.

Keywords: alpha-fetoprotein, analytical approach, maternal screening, foetal abnormalities, down syndrome, scoping review.