Serum αFP Level in Cord Blood of Full Term Neonates Born in Babol City

Abstract

BACKGROUNDANDOBJECTIVE: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (αFP) level is considered as a diagnostic marker is higher than normal in many congenital tumors such as germ cell, hepatoblastoma, as well as liver and metabolic diseases in neonates. Normal neonates also have a higher level of alpha-fetoprotein than others, so it is important to diagnose this interference. In valid sources, the normal serum alpha-fetoprotein level in infants is related to advanced countries, which may vary in our country. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein in the umbilical cord blood of term neonates born in Babol and to compare them in two genders. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 500 neonates (37-42 weeks) born in hospitals in Babol city where physical examination was normal. At birth, 5 ml of umbilical cord blood was taken and samples were sent to the lab for measurement of alpha-fetoprotein. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level was measured by ELISA method and was compared in two genders. FINDINGS: Mean serum a FP levels was 76.57±35.25 ng/ml (range 2.3-160) and it was significantly higher in males (80.54±36.95 vs. 73.69±33.73 ng/ml) which was statistically significant (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the level of alpha-fetoprotein in neonates born in Babol is relatively high and also in males is more than females.