Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Isolation of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Rodent Embryos for use with Dissected Cerebral Cortical Explants
Published on: March 11, 2013
Amniotic fluid biochemistry in isolated polyhydramnios: a series of 464 cases
Bichr Allaf1, Sophie Dreux1, Thomas Schmitz2
1Biochimie-Hormonologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, APHP, Paris, France.
Objective:
To report amniotic fluid biochemistry in a large series of 464 cases of isolated polyhydramnios in order to analyze both the outcome and the benefit of amniotic fluid biochemistry.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort (2008-2012) included polyhydramnios cases for which amniotic fluid samples were sent to our laboratory for biochemical analysis (total protein, alpha-fetoprotein and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) so as to investigate the etiology. A Bartter index and an esophageal atresia index were defined. Final diagnoses were compared between groups to determine the association between these indices and the frequency and type of adverse outcomes.
Results:
Among 464 cases of polyhydramnios considered isolated at ultrasound examination, severe fetal diseases were diagnosed in 136 (29.3%): 46 (9.9%) chromosomal anomalies, 28 (6%) Bartter syndrome, 23 (4.95%) other genetic syndromes, 22 (4.75%) swallowing disorders and 17 (3.7%) uro-nephrological disorders. Amniotic fluid biochemistry identified esophageal atresia with 66.6% (10/15) sensitivity and 100% specificity and Bartter syndrome with 85.7% (24/28) sensitivity and 84.2% specificity.
Conclusion:
Isolated polyhydramnios is associated with a high risk of severe fetal diseases. Molecular cytogenetics and amniotic fluid biochemistry are helpful tools.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Composition of Body Fluids
Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Membrane Fluidity
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...

