Elevation of maternal α–fetoprotein serum levels in relation to fetomaternal haemorrhage after second trimester pregnancy termination by aspirotomy

Fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) after termination of pregnancy in the second trimester has been reported previously (Katz 1969; Queenan et al. 1971; Voigt & Britt 1969). Several authors have observed a rise in maternal serum a-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration in association with FMH (Seppala & Ruoslahti 1972; Norgaard Pedersen 1974; Kjessler & Johansson 1977; Los et al. 1979). The occurrence of an increase in maternal serum AFP after amniocentesis has also been documented (Chard et al. 1976; Mennuti er al. 1980). The discrepancy found between the results of fetal red cell count and the increased concentration of maternal serum AFP as an indicator of FMH has been attributed to a greater sensitivity of AFP changes than the Kleihauer test (Lachman et al. 1977). According to Dallaire et al. (1980), passage of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation sometimes accounts for a rise in maternal serum AFP concentration following amniocentesis.