What can contribute to elevated Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels?

Elevated Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels can indicate various conditions, one of which is the presence of a neural tube defect. Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein produced by the fetal liver, and its levels in the maternal serum can be significantly higher when there are abnormalities in fetal development, particularly those related to the central nervous system. Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, lead to increased leakage of alpha-fetoprotein from the fetal circulation into the amniotic fluid, which then raises the level in the mother's blood.

Correct dating of a pregnancy is critical for interpreting MSAFP levels accurately, as they can naturally vary based on gestational age. The presence of a single gestation typically does not contribute to elevated MSAFP levels; in fact, multiples can affect levels due to different dynamics involved. Lastly, normal fetal development is associated with expected levels of MSAFP for the gestational age and would not cause elevations. Thus, the connection between elevated MSAFP and neural tube defects is well established in clinical practice.