Open AccessA comparison of the amniotic fluid cytology, lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio and creatinine in predicting fetal maturity at term
Author(s) -
Tydén O.,
Bergström S.,
Lindmark G.,
Nilsson B. A.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016348109154112
Subject(s) - amniotic fluid , medicine , lecithin , creatinine , maturity (psychological) , sphingomyelin , fetus , andrology , obstetrics , pregnancy , biology , cholesterol , biochemistry , psychology , developmental psychology , genetics
The value of three amniotic fluid tests—ratio of lecithin/sphingomyelin, creatinine 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.