[Detection of immune complexes in intrauterine retardation]

We tried to find an additional diagnostic parameter for intrauterine growth retardation. The immune complex estimations were carried out by means of precipitation of immune complexes with Polyethylenglykol 6.000 in 203 primi and multiparae suspected for intrauterine growth retardation. The control group (y = 0.073 X + 0.372; r = 0.459) showed an increase of immune complex concentrations towards the end of pregnancy. A possibility for interpretation is the daily penetration of fetal material in to the maternal circulation. Women with suspicion of intrauterine growth retardation (y = -0.045 X + 1.61; r = -0.053) showed a decrease of immune complex concentration at the end of pregnancy. This course is contrary to that one of immune complex concentrations in the control group. The distribution of immunglobulins in the precipitate is corresponding to the proportions in serum. We found mainly IgG and IgM, but also high molecular serumproteins as Alpha-2-Makroglobulin and Orosomucoid. A discreet correlation between intrauterine growth retardation and pathological immune complex values may be present.