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Amniotic fluid phospholipids and glucocorticoids in multiple pregnancy
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Labor onset significantly alters amniotic fluid phospholipids and glucocorticoids in the first twin. These changes, particularly in lecithin/sphingomyelin and phosphatidylethanolamine/sphingomyelin ratios, were not observed in growth-restricted fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Amniotic fluid composition changes during pregnancy.
- Twin pregnancies present unique physiological considerations.
- Fetal lung maturity is assessed by phospholipid profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in amniotic fluid phospholipid composition and glucocorticoid levels in twin pregnancies.
- To compare these changes between the first and second twin before and during labor.
- To assess the impact of fetal growth retardation on these parameters.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of amniotic fluid phospholipid ratios (lecithin/sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine/sphingomyelin) in 30 twin pregnancies.
- Measurement of amniotic fluid glucocorticoid concentrations using specific immunoassays.
- Chromatographic separation of glucocorticoids to identify specific compounds.
Main Results:
- Before labor, no significant differences in phospholipid ratios or glucocorticoid levels were found between twins.
- During labor, the first twin showed significant increases in lecithin/sphingomyelin and phosphatidylethanolamine/sphingomyelin ratios.
- Labor also led to significantly increased unconjugated and conjugated glucocorticoid levels in the first twin's amniotic fluid.
Conclusions:
- Labor onset triggers distinct biochemical changes in amniotic fluid, particularly in the first-born twin.
- These labor-induced changes in phospholipids and glucocorticoids are not influenced by fetal growth retardation.
- Cortisol is identified as the primary glucocorticoid measured in this context.