Amniotic fluid proteins in normal and Rh-sensitized pregnancies

Abstract

Amniotic fluid proteins (481) were determined for 221 normal and Rh-sensitized pregnancies. The normal range and mean values are shown for various stages of gestation. Determination of normal values for amniotic fluid proteins during early gestation are important as a unit of reference in the prenatal diagnosis of genetically related defects. In general, the larger the birth weight of the normal infant, the lower the amniotic fluid protein value prior to delivery. In normal pregnancies the values decrease with increasing gestation. In pregnancies with mild and moderate erythroblastosis fetalis the values are essentially the same. With severe disease, the protein range is greater and the trend not always downward with increasing gestation. With hydrops fetalis, the values rise and a value of 0.800 Gm. per 100 ml. with an elevated bilirubin level is diagnostic of hydrops fetalis.