Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings
14:40

Instrumentation of Near-term Fetal Sheep for Multivariate Chronic Non-anesthetized Recordings

Published on: October 25, 2015

Amniotic fluid digestive enzymes: diagnostic value in fetal gastrointestinal obstructions

F Muller1, M Dommergues, Y Ville

  • 1Biochimie, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, Boulogne, France.

Prenatal Diagnosis
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Amniotic fluid gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGTP) and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iALP) show diagnostic value for fetal digestive tract anomalies. Elevated enzyme levels suggest malformations, but do not predict prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal diagnostics
  • Biochemical markers in pregnancy
  • Fetal medicine

Background:

  • Prenatal diagnosis of fetal gastrointestinal anomalies relies on ultrasound.
  • Amniotic fluid enzyme levels may offer additional diagnostic information.
  • Gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGTP) and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iALP) are digestive enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of amniotic fluid GGTP and iALP in fetuses with suspected gastrointestinal dilatation.
  • To assess the sensitivity and specificity of these enzymes in identifying digestive tract malformations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of amniotic fluid GGTP and iALP levels in 55 pregnant patients undergoing amniocentesis.
  • Correlation of enzyme levels with confirmed gastrointestinal malformations (n=46) and normal findings (n=9).
  • Stratification of cases based on ultrasound findings: gastroduodenal (Group I) vs. small bowel (Group II) dilatation.

Main Results:

  • In Group I (gastroduodenal dilatation), amniotic fluid GGTP > 99th percentile showed 71% sensitivity and 100% specificity for digestive tract defects, primarily duodenal atresia.
  • In Group II (small bowel dilatation), elevated GGTP and/or iALP had 69% sensitivity and 83% specificity for fetal digestive tract anomalies.
  • Normal amniotic fluid enzyme levels did not rule out the possibility of a digestive tract anomaly.

Conclusions:

  • Amniotic fluid GGTP and iALP levels are valuable biochemical markers for diagnosing fetal gastrointestinal malformations when suggested by prenatal ultrasound.
  • Abnormal enzyme activities strongly suggest a digestive tract anomaly, but normal levels do not exclude it.
  • These enzyme activities do not provide prognostic information regarding the identified anomalies.

More Related Videos

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs05:40

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers07:18

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
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...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test01:30

Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

Gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic studies are pivotal in confirming, ruling out, diagnosing, or staging various diseases, including cancers. Following diagnosis, allocating time for discussions with the patient and providing informational resources is crucial. Diagnostic assessments of the GI tract often occur in outpatient settings like endoscopy suites or GI labs. Preparation for these tests may include dietary restrictions, fasting, liquid bowel preparations, laxatives, enemas, and the...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...