[Diagnosis of the placental function with special reference to the pregnancy-specific protein SP-1]

Following a description of the three different functions of the placenta (respiratory, nutritive, endocrine) and their failures the most common function tests are presented. Special emphasis is put on the evaluation of a recently described pregnancy-specific protein (SP1) in the maternal serum. The amount of the substance produced by the placenta correlates well with the fetal weight and well-being in cases of EPH-gestosis and idiopathic placental insufficiency; correlation was not as well in mild EPH-gestosis, diabetes and RH-incompatibility. The validity of measuring SP1-production seems to be similar to that of HPL. The method of quantitative determination is simple and possible even in a smaller hospital.