Elevated MSAFP levels may indicate what?

Elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels are indeed associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing fetus. MSAFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver, and abnormal levels during pregnancy can indicate various conditions.

In the case of NTDs, such as spina bifida or anencephaly, the fetal spine does not close properly, leading to higher amounts of alpha-fetoprotein leaking into the mother’s bloodstream, which results in elevated MSAFP levels. Therefore, screening for MSAFP levels can serve as a critical tool in prenatal care to identify the potential risk of these serious congenital malformations early in pregnancy, allowing for further diagnostic procedures or interventions if necessary.

Other conditions associated with abnormal MSAFP levels include multiple gestations or abdominal wall defects, but the direct link between elevated MSAFP and neural tube defects makes this the most relevant answer in the context provided.