Causes of increased maternal serum alpha fetoprotein
- Neural tube defects
- Esophageal / intestinal obstruction
- Cystic hygroma
- Pilonidal cysts
- Liver necrosis
- Renal anomalies – polycystic kidneys / absent kidneys
- Abdominal wall defects – omphalocele / gastroschisis
- Sacrococcygeal teratoma
- Urinary obstruction
- Osteogenesis imprefecta
- Congenital skin defects
- Congenital nephrosis
- Oligohydramnios
- Cloacal exstrophy
- Chorioangioma of placenta
- Low birth weight
- Decreased maternal weight
- Maternal hepatoma / teratoma
- Underestimation of gestational age
- Multifetal gestation
