Lactate in the foetal brain: detection and implications.
METHODS
In six hydrocephalic foetuses (gestational age 29-38 wk), proton MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was performed in the basal ganglia for detection of lactate in vivo.


RESULTS
Lactate was present in two foetal brains, absent in two and not detectable because of movement in two.


CONCLUSIONS
With adequate immobilization of the foetus, 1H-MRS can be used for detection of foetal brain lactate.
Roelants-van Rijn
Ariadne M
AM
Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Groenendaal
Floris
F
Stoutenbeek
Philip
P
van der Grond
Jeroen
J
D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000378:metabolism; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000032:analysis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D011247:Pregnancy
D019344:Lactic Acid