title: A comparison of the amniotic fluid cytology, lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio and creatinine in predicting fetal maturity at term.
abstract: The value of three amniotic fluid tests--ratio of lecithin/sphingomyelin, creatine concentration and the Nile blue cytological test for lipid--carrying cells--in predicting fetal maturity at term was investigated. The cytological test was the best individual test, and a combination of all three seemed to accurately diagnose functional immaturity. A sequential approach for maturity testing is suggested. It is also concluded that maturity testing at term is an appropriate means of preventing iatrogenic prematurity.
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis / Q000166:cytology*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000032:analysis*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D013109:Sphingomyelins; D003404:Creatinine