title: [The determination of surface tension in amniotic fluid as a simple method for the diagnosis of fetal lung maturity (author's transl)].
abstract: For the past several years it is possible to determine the maturity of the fetal lung from the amniotic fluid. Towards the end of the pregnancy the content of surface active substances for instance Lecithine, increases in the amniotic fluid. It is therefore possible to determine the maturity of the fetal lung directly by measurements of the surface tension in the amniotic fluid. In 265 patients from 17 to 42 weeks gestation a total of 340 determinations of the surface tension in the amniotic fluid were carried out. A simple commercial interfacial tensiometer was used. The clinical value of the measurements was determined by the occurrance of a respiratory distress syndrome which was objectively evaluated by the so called Hobel Score. The determination of the surface tension for the amniotic fluid is valuable as a screening test prior to the determination of the relatively expensive L/S ration. The test was compared with the Clements Test which is also a screening procedure.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology* / Q000502:physiology; D008433:Mathematics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000032:analysis*; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000175:diagnosis; D013500:Surface Tension
chemical_list: D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants
vernacular_title: Die Messung der Oberflächenspannung im Fruchtwasser als einfache Methode zur Bestimmung der fetalen Lungenreife