Lecithin:sphingomyelin ratio in the amniotic fluid of male and female fetuses.
The effect of fetal sex on the amniotic fluid lecithin:sphingomyelin (L:S) ratio was determined with a prospective, randomized, double-blind study designed to evaluate the effect of antenatal steroid administration on the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. The immature L:S ratios of 183 single births to nondiabetic women were analyzed. L:S ratios increased with increasing gestational age. Regression lines of L:S versus gestational age suggested that male infants' L:S ratios were lower than females', although the differences were not statistically significant.
Zachman
R D
RD
Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison.
Morrison
J C
JC
Curet
L B
LB
Gustafson
N
N
D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000032:analysis*; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D013109:Sphingomyelins; D013256:Steroids