Amniotic fluid endocrine changes during maternal hyperalimentation

Ten women with low estriol excretion received hyperalimentation prior to induction of labor. Six received an amino acid mixture (5% Aminofusin) and 25% dextrose, two received the amino acid mixture, and two received 25% dextrose. Amniotic fluid obtained before and after hyperalimentation was assayed for fetal surfactant production, thyroid, pituitary, and carbohydrate regulating hormones. In the combined amino acid/dextrose infusion group the amniotic fluid palmitic acid levels increased significantly post infusion; rT3 also increased significantly but T3 and T4 showed no significant change. The pituitary hormones growth hormone, prolactin, and ACTH showed no significant change, but beta-endorphin-like activity was significantly elevated. No thyroid-stimulating hormone was detected in any of the samples. All the carbohydrate regulating hormones, insulin, cortisol, and cAMP, showed significant increases but cGMP showed a significant decrease. The amino acid and dextrose only groups gave similar results. Seven of the infants showed some degree of intrauterine growth retardation but no neonatal complications attributable to the hyperalimentation.