title: The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of fetal lung maturity.
abstract: We have shown that there is a relationship between a BPD of at least 9.2 cm and the presence of lung maturity in the fetus of a nondiabetic pregnancy. The presence of a grade III placenta in the late third trimester appears to be a reliable predictor of maturity, but more data need to be assessed before the utility of this method at any gestational age can be properly evaluated. We have discussed a scheme incorporating ultrasonographic observations and laboratory analysis in reducing the risk of iatrogenic hyaline membrane disease and reducing the need for amniocentesis.
mesh_terms: D000649:Amniocentesis; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D006819:Hyaline Membrane Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology*; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis; D010920:Placenta / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011254:Pregnancy in Diabetics / Q000175:diagnosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000032:analysis; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D013109:Sphingomyelins