The role of amniotic fluid phospholipids in determining fetal lung maturity.
Assessment of the status of amniotic fluid phospholipids (qualitative and semi-quantitative) has become important in determining fetal lung maturity. In uncomplicated pregnancies, it has been documented that the ratio of lecithin to sphingomyelin (L/S ratio), with respect to pediatric gestational age, is a reliable predictor of maturity. In complicated pregnancies (e.g., toxemia, diabetes mellitus) the L/S ratio may result in erroneous clinical interpretation and premature intervention. The presence of phosphatidyl-glycerol (PG) in these cases has been acknowledge to be a significant factor indicative of fetal lung maturity. Thin-layer chromatography, which clearly elucidates the six phospholipids of amniotic fluid, is the method of choice.
D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000032:analysis*; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005260:Female; D005325:Fetal Organ Maturity; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology*; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines / Q000032:analysis; D010715:Phosphatidylglycerols / Q000032:analysis; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols / Q000032:analysis; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000032:analysis; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000032:analysis*; D012016:Reference Values; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000032:analysis
D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D010714:Phosphatidylethanolamines; D010715:Phosphatidylglycerols; D010716:Phosphatidylinositols; D010718:Phosphatidylserines; D010743:Phospholipids; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; D013109:Sphingomyelins