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Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is produced in the gut and liver during fetal life and appears
to act like albumin in the adult. Because AFP appears in the maternal circulation
during pregnancy, interest has been focused on its measurement in maternal serum to
predict fetal abnor-mality. In addition, AFP, as an embryonic product, is elevated
in certain malignant states. This article provides a summary of current clinical knowledge
of AFP and its applications.
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© 1992 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.