Screening for Down syndrome by detecting serum AFP and F-β hCG in pregnant women during second-trimester

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of screening for Down syndrome by detecting serum AFP and F-βhCG in pregnant women during second-trimester.Methods:Magnetic-separated enzyme immunoassay technology was used to detect serum AFP and F-βhCG,then the data and clinical materials of pregnant women were analysed by special software.Then chromosomal karyotype analysis on amniotic fluid cell was used to make a further diagnosis.Results:2849 cases of pregnant women's serum were detected.312 cases were found with fetuses at high risk of Down syndrome,the positive rate is 10.95%;the fetuses of 2 cases were diagnosed as Down syndrome in 174 cases detected by chromosomal karyotype analysis on amniotic fluid cell.61 cases were found with fetuses at high risk of Neural Tube Defects(NTD),the fetuses of 2 cases were diagnosed as NTD by B-ultrasonography.Conclusion:Risk assessment of Down syndrome by detecting serum AFP and F-βhCG in pregnant women during second-trimester is important in screening and decreasing the birth rate of Down syndrome.