Hepatocellular carcinoma in a pregnant women detected by routine screening of maternal alpha-fetoprotein
Article Abstract:
Extremely high alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels in maternal blood may indicate liver cancer. AFP has become a routine screen for fetal neural tube defects. In one case, the mother had chronic hepatitis, which put her at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. A routine AFP screen at 16 weeks gestation found a value of 34,303 nanograms per milliliter. An ultrasound scan found a liver tumor. The pregnancy was terminated. A month later surgery was performed and the tumor removed. The patient recovered and has been well for 10 months. In most cases, this type of tumor is too far advanced to be operable when diagnosed. A maternal AFP level greater than 500 nanograms per milliliter should raise suspicions of certain types of cancer, including hepatocarcinoma, or liver disease. Because pregnancy can foster tumor growth, AFP screening is recommended early and periodically for hepatitis B carriers who become pregnant.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1995
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Treatment of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy: a multicenter study of impact on fetal transmission and children's sequelae at age 1 year
Article Abstract:
Antibiotics given to pregnant women with toxoplasmosis may not reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus but will reduce the severity of the disease. Toxoplasmosis is an infection. Researchers followed 144 women who had been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, some of whom were treated with antibiotics. In 44% of the women, the infection was transmitted to their baby. This was just as common in women who received antibiotics compared to those who did not. However, antibiotics seemed to reduce the severity of the infection in the baby.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1999
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