What does a high AFP level indicate in the context of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome?

Prepare for the American Board of Genetic Counseling Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations to enhance your knowledge. Get exam ready!

A high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is associated with several conditions, one of which is Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS). SGBS is a rare genetic disorder that affects growth and development, characterized by overgrowth and various anomalies. In this context, elevated AFP levels often indicate possible concerns with the development of tumors, particularly hepatoblastoma, which is a type of liver cancer commonly associated with this syndrome.

In SGBS, the presence of high AFP levels serves as an important clinical marker, alerting healthcare providers to the potential for the development of childhood tumors. Monitoring these levels is crucial for early detection and management of any neoplastic processes that may arise due to the underlying genetic condition.

Other choices, such as increased brain activity, normal liver function, and improper organ growth may be considerations in different contexts or conditions but do not specifically relate to the implications of high AFP levels in the case of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. Hence, the option highlighting the potential for a childhood tumor is the most accurate in this scenario.

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