The presence of increased levels of the following enzyme in amniotic fluid is an indicator of open neural tube defect in the fetus:
Correct Answer: Acetylcholinesterase
Description: Presence of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the amniotic fluid is seen in cases of fetal open neural tube defects (NTD). When alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated, an assay for acetylcholinesterase was performed, and if positive, it was considered diagnostic of a NTD. Other fetal abnormalities may be associated with both elevated amniotic fluid AFP and positive assay for acetylcholinesterase, including Ventral wall defects Esophageal atresia Fetal teratoma Cloacal exstrophy Skin abnormalities such as epidermolysis bullosa Ref: Cunningham F.G., Leveno K.J., Bloom S.L., Hauth J.C., Rouse D.J., Spong C.Y. (2010). Chapter 13. Prenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Therapy. In F.G. Cunningham, K.J. Leveno, S.L. Bloom, J.C. Hauth, D.J. Rouse, C.Y. Spong (Eds), Williams Obstetrics, 23e.
Category:
Gynaecology & Obstetrics
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now