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Horm Metab Res 1979; 11(11): 612-615
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1092787
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Total Cortisol and L/S-Ratio in Amniotic Fluid in Late Pregnancies Complicated by Diabetes Mellitus

H.  Pschera , I.  Björkhem , K.  Carlström , O.  Lantto , N. O. Lunell , B.  Persson , C.  Somell, , M.  Stangenberg , J.  Wager
  • Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Clinical Chemistry, Huddinge University Hospital,
    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sabbatsbergs Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

68 samples of amniotic fluid from 47 women with varying severity of diabetes mellitus and 48 samples from 43 normal women were obtained in the 31st to 40th week of pregnancy before onset of labour. The concentration of total Cortisol and the L/S-ratio in amniotic fluid were determined and related to gestational age. There was a continuous rise of total Cortisol with advancing gestational age in the diabetic pregnancies similar to that found in normal pregnancy. Diabetic pregnancies were associated with slightly lower amniotic fluid Cortisol levels without significant difference to values found in normal pregnancy. The severity of the disease did not affect the Cortisol levels in amniotic fluid. There was no correlation between total Cortisol levels and L/S-ratios in amniotic fluid. Determination of total Cortisol in amniotic fluid can thus not replace measurements of L/S-ratios to predict fetal lung maturation.

Key words

Diabetic Pregnancy - Amniotic Fluid - Total Cortisol - L/S-Ratio