Placenta accreta/percreta/increta: a cause of elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and abnormal placental adherence (placenta accreta/percreta/increta).

Methods: We reviewed the MSAFP levels of 11 women who had cesarean hysterectomies because of placenta accreta/percreta/increta. The control group consisted of 14 women who delivered by cesarean because of placenta previa but who had no abnormal placental adherence.

Results: Five of the 11 women with placenta accreta/percreta/increta had elevated MSAFP, whereas all 14 controls had normal levels.

Conclusion: These results indicate a significant association between elevated MSAFP and placenta accreta/percreta/increta (P = .017). Patients with an unexplained elevation of MSAFP as well as placenta previa may be at increased risk for abnormal placental adherence.