Leukocyte alkaline phosphate determinations and urinary estriol excretion in normal and pathologic pregnancies

A comparison of the results of two assays for monitoring fetal well-being in normal and pathologic pregnancies is described. Concomitant leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) score determinations and 24-hour urinary estriol excretion were preformed in the same groups of pregnant women from the 31st week of pregnancy onward. There were 45 women with normal pregnancies, 10 women with antepartum death, 8 women in whom the membranes ruptured at least 30 hours before the determination, 40 women with moderate or severe preeclampsia and 26 women with postmaturity. Determination of LAP score is an easy, rapid and inexpensive method which can be performed in every laboratory. The results are as reliable as estriol determination. Thus LAP score may serve as a valuable method for evaluation of fetal well-being.