Palmitic acid concentration of amniotic fluid in diabetic pregnancy

The fatty acid composition of total lipid and phospholipid contents was determined in the amniotic fluid of normal and diabetic pregnant patients. Disturbance of lipid metabolism which is not related to the severity of diabetes, causes difficulties in the determination of L/S ratio. The palmitic acid content of total lipid and lecithin is increased in diabetic pregnancy. The lecithin synthesis is significantly decreased as result of a transitory or prolonged acidosis.