Which protein is typically elevated in cases of fetal distress?

In cases of fetal distress, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is typically elevated. AFP is a protein produced primarily by the fetal liver, and its levels can be measured in maternal serum or amniotic fluid. Elevated levels of AFP are often associated with fetal anomalies, but they may also indicate distress or compromise in the fetus, particularly in scenarios involving conditions that lead to an open neural tube or abdominal wall defects which can result in higher levels of this protein being released into the maternal circulation.

The context of fetal distress includes cases where there is a risk of hypoxia or injury to the fetus, which can lead to abnormal metabolic activities and the subsequent release of fetal-specific proteins like AFP. Monitoring AFP levels can thus help in assessing the fetal condition and determining the need for further intervention.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plays a role primarily in early pregnancy maintenance and does not serve as a marker for fetal distress specifically. Fetal fibronectin is used as a marker in predicting preterm labor rather than for diagnosing fetal distress. Hemopexin, which binds free heme, is related to processes involving oxidative stress or hemolysis but has no direct association with fetal distress indicators. Thus, the elevation of AFP in cases