In Down syndrome maternal serum testing, is AFP typically decreased or increased?

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Multiple Choice

In Down syndrome maternal serum testing, is AFP typically decreased or increased?

Explanation:
In Down syndrome, maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is typically decreased on screening. This is part of the second-trimester quad screen pattern, where Down syndrome shows lower AFP and unconjugated estriol, with higher hCG and inhibin A. The decreased AFP reflects altered fetal production/serum levels in DS, distinguishing it from open neural tube defects, where AFP is increased due to fetal–maternal leakage. Since the test is measuring a fetal marker, AFP would not be “not measured,” and it would not be typically increased or unchanged in this condition, making decreased the correct pattern.

In Down syndrome, maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is typically decreased on screening. This is part of the second-trimester quad screen pattern, where Down syndrome shows lower AFP and unconjugated estriol, with higher hCG and inhibin A. The decreased AFP reflects altered fetal production/serum levels in DS, distinguishing it from open neural tube defects, where AFP is increased due to fetal–maternal leakage. Since the test is measuring a fetal marker, AFP would not be “not measured,” and it would not be typically increased or unchanged in this condition, making decreased the correct pattern.

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