الفهرس 
AIM OF THE WORKOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The prevention of foetal malformations and abnormalities
has long been the hope of obstetritions, paediatricians
and geneticists, but since the cause of most
human malformations is unknown,, this must remain a dream
for the present. However, with the introduction of midtrimester
a~niocentesis it is now possible to detect
some foetal abnormalities, or high risk pregnancies early
enough for selective termination of pregnancy for the
sake of mother and foetus (Babson et al., 1979).
Among the diagnostic applications of amniocentesis,
is the determination of alpha-foetoprotein levels in the
amniotic fluid as a new method of antenatal diagnosis.
(Emery 1975).
Interest in this protein has been developed primarly
on the clinical observations tl1at it may reappear in the
serum in elevated amounts in adult life in association
with normal restorative processes such as ’’liver regeneration’’
and with malignant growth, (Tomasi, 1977).
Alpha foeto pr~tein is a foeto specific~ 1 -globulin
which might be detected in the human conceptus from the
29th day after conception (Gitlin et al, 1972). This foetoprotein is thought to be transferred
from the foetal to maternal circulation; partly directly
through the placental barrier, partly via the foetal
urine to the amniotic fluid, and also.across the foetal
membranes, (Kjessler et al., 1977).
Determination of the alpha foeto protein content
of the amniotic fluid and foetal cord blood has been
shown to be of some value in the diagnosis of some
major anomalies in the foetus,such as neural tube defects,
exomphalus and congenital nephrotic syndrome; yet its
value in the diagnosis of high risk pregnancies is still
relatively new (Weiss et al,, 1977).