Analysis of alfa-fetoprotein concentrations in maternal serum of Romany and non-Romany women in the Prešov Region of Eastern Slovakia
Keywords:
Romanies, Ethnic differences, Ethnicity, AlphafetoproteinAbstract
Aim. The aim of the study was to estimate concentrations ofalpha-fetoprotein in the maternal serum of Romany and non-Romany women in the Prešov region (Slovakia) in the periodfrom 2003-2006 and their comparision with attention to ethnicorigin. AFP testing involved 1983 women. Methods. Thestudy includes 265 Romany (14-44 years; mean age 23.64±0.57year) and 1718 non-Romany women (17-45 years; mean age28.22±0.24 year). To show the statistical difference between theethnic groups, we employed multiple regression analysis. Results.The median values of MSAFP at 15-18 weeks gestation inRomany women were lower in comparision with non-Romanywomen of majority population in the Prešov region. Conclusion.The obtained results suggest that a correction for AFPconcentrations or the use of group-specific medians for variousethnic populations would be appropriate.Downloads
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