AFP and link to PE

[steelsword328]

My doc wants me to get the AFP screening--had it MON. because he said there is some research out there possibly linking high AFP's (I guess in the absence of down's syn or neural tube defects--false postives I supposed) to possible development of PE. Of course like much research--it is not always the case. Some women may have high AFP with no PE and some with normal AFP with PE. He just said he would be interested in seeing if mine was elevated and may treat me more aggresively if it was--maybe increasing my heparin--not sure what else "more aggresively" he would do. I really didn't want the AFP--didn't get it last time, but he really wanted me to have it. I just asked that they not call me with the results before my appt next Wed. I would rathter just find out then and not worry about the results over the weekend.
Anyway, has anyone heard of this or had experience with AFP results correctly or incorrectly predicting PE, and if so, could you give me some links or research articles to read on this?

Thanks!!

Renee mom to Alyssa-26wkr-1lb 4oz.-severe PE-now a happy and healthy 3 year old!
Pg with #2 edd 10/21/05

[kpowers]

mine where high and no downs or any other problems but PE and hellp. Can you ask your dr what research he is refering too so then maybe you can look at it yourself and let me know?

Kim mom to
Emma May Powers still born 12/12/04 sever PE & HELLP
ca.geocities.com/kimpowers@rogers.com/index.htm

[denise]

Hey Renee! Good to see you again! There is some prelim research I think that is showing a correlation between the AFP and PE. I'll have to do some digging for the info and get back to you.

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Denise (29) Co-coordinator for WI
Jason (32)
Ariana (24 months)5/3/03-just shy of 35 weeks: Class 1 HELLP
http://hometown.aol.com/oneyodafan/DeniseHomePage.htm

[jshell4871]

Hi , I don't know if I posted before but I am mom to 6 children, with #1 I had PE and he was born at 39 weeks, #6 I had eclampsia and she was born at 29 weeks. I usually don't do the AFP but I did with the last baby and it was high. It will be interesting to see if there truly is a link.

[rosemary]

My AFP results were high too. I had two level 2 sonograms after my AFP results. My son had a diagnosis of 'echogenic bowel' - from what I learned it was a marker for down's. I refused an amnio - and 4 days later at 20 weeks gestation, PE/HELLP hit with a vengence. To make a long story short, I was lifeflighted to a woman's hospital, my BP was uncontrollable, my liver and kidneys were shutting down, my brain was swelling - I was told that I was dying. I remember very little of that night. The following morning, I delivered and lost my son. Certainly if there is a tie with AFP results, it should be used as a marker - I had no clue what PE/HELLP was prior to my diagnosis. Education and information are truly what every pregnant woman needs. I sure wish I would have found this website prior to my terrible situation. I am glad that after it that I did find it...the information and support have been wonderful.

God Bless,

Rosemary
aka Elliott's Mom
Lost to Severe PE/HELLP @ 20 wks

[cassie05]

I had the AFP with Stephen, it came back with open nueral tube defects, nothing was wrong with him but I developed severe pe and delivered at 27+6. I declined the test with my Angel's pregnancy, I didnt want to stress of thinking something was wrong.

cassie is mommy to...
stephen...severe pre-e...delivered at 27+6...1 lb 12 oz
and my sweet little angel Kaitlyn Victoria, passed before her first breath May 22nd, 2005....27 weeks 4days...blood clot, hemorage and rupture in the umbelical cord

[denise]

Ah, a bit late, but better than never:

AFP/Triple Screen:

www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3805
www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1975
www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2602
www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5317


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Denise (29) Co-coordinator for WI
Jason (32)
Ariana (24 months)5/3/03-just shy of 35 weeks: Class 1 HELLP
http://hometown.aol.com/oneyodafan/DeniseHomePage.htm