Results of the program Alpha-Fetoprotein in Maternal Serum, Pinar del Río municipality, 2008 - 2012

Introduction: with the screening of alpha-fetoprotein levels in maternal serum, the program has the purpose to diagnose neural tube defects and other open defects that constitute the most frequent congenital malformations in many countries and in Cuba, which makes it necessary to know its results aimed at suggesting strategies to improve health indicators, as well as its efficiency. Objective: to evaluate the alpha-fetoprotein screening program in maternal serum in Pinar del Río municipality from 2008 to 2012. Method: a descriptive and retrospective-observational study that included 10 007 pregnant women who attended the municipal genetics service was conducted. Variables such as coverage, study of positivity and positive predictive values were included. Results: 98,6 % of pregnant women underwent the study; the positivity index in 2008 was 8,95 %. The threat of abortion in 27 % was the cause of greater relation with high levels of alpha-fetoprotein, 9,09 % of positive predictive value was reached in 2012; the total of women diagnosed having fetuses with congenital defects decided to end pregnancy; 62,4 % of the congenital defects were in the closure of the neural tube and the anterior wall. Conclusions: the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein quantification is an effective tool in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital defects; it is possible to influence the decrease in infant mortality with the interruption of gestation of fetuses with serious congenital defects