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Non protein bound iron concentrations in amniotic fluid.
D Gazzolo1, S Perrone, P Paffetti
1Department Paediatrics G. Gaslini, Children's University Hospital, 16148 Genoa, Italy.
Clinical Biochemistry
|July 13, 2005
Summary
Non-protein bound iron (NPBI) in amniotic fluid increases with fetal growth during the second trimester. These findings establish a reference curve and suggest NPBI
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Iron is essential for fetal development.
- Amniotic fluid serves as a crucial environment for fetal growth.
- Understanding iron dynamics in pregnancy is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify non-protein bound iron (NPBI) in amniotic fluid during the second trimester.
- To establish a reference curve for NPBI in relation to gestational age.
- To explore the correlation between NPBI and fetal growth parameters.
Main Methods:
- Amniotic fluid samples were collected from 118 women undergoing amniocentesis between 15-18 weeks of gestation.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure NPBI concentrations.
- Fetal biometry was assessed using ultrasound.
Main Results:
- NPBI concentrations progressively increased from 14-15 weeks to 17-18 weeks gestation.
- NPBI showed a positive regression with gestational age (GA).
- Significant correlations were found between NPBI, GA, bi-parietal diameter, and transverse cerebellar diameter.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first quantification of NPBI in amniotic fluid under physiological conditions.
- The correlation of NPBI with GA and fetal biometry suggests its potential role in fetal growth.
- These findings contribute to understanding iron metabolism during pregnancy.