Deoxycytidylate deaminase in pregnancy

Deoxycytidylate (DCMP) deaminase was assayed at various times during and after normal and abnormal pregnancies. The level in amniotic fluid was assessed at induction and at caesarean section, and cord blood levels were estimated after normal delivery and at caesarean section. A rise occurred during labour and after hysterectomy and caesarean section--returning to normal after 2-3, and 12 days respectively. Levels above 4.8 X 10-minus 4 ml-minus 1 were found in cases of preeclamptic toxaemia and early intrauterine death and in twin pregnancies over 36 weeks' gestation. It is suggested that because of its low incidence of false-negative and false-positive results this test is far superior to other enzyme tests in pregnancy, and a further trial is in progress to assess its role.