Relationship between amniotic fluid triglyceride levels and fetal maturity

Abstract

Triglyceride determinations have been made in 100 samples of amniotic fluid, and the results have been correlated with gestational age and fetal weight. When the triglyceride level is 2.00 mg. per cent or greater, the correlation with a mature fetus is good. However, values less than 2.00 mg. per cent are associated with both mature and immature fetuses. Low values cannot be used as indicative of fetal prematurity. Levels of 2.00 mg. per cent or greater showed good correlation with amniotic fluid creatinine concentrations of 1.8 mg. per cent or greater, Δ O.D.450 measurement of 0.02 or less, and orange cell counts of 10 per cent or greater. As a test for fetal maturity, amniotic fluid triglyceride determination offers no advantage over the standard amniotic fluid analyses; however, this determination may be useful as an additional parameter upon which intelligent decisions of intervention can be made.