Question

Amniocentesis can detect elevation of which marker specifically in cases of anencephaly?

Options

• Elevated maternal serum estriol levels

• Elevated creatinine and urea levels

• Elevated AFP levels in amniotic fluid

• Elevated acetylcholinesterase without AFP elevation

Answer 1

Anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect characterized by absence of major portions of the brain and skull, results in markedly elevated AFP levels in amniotic fluid. However, unlike spina bifida, AChE may not be as consistently elevated in anencephaly.