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Amniotic fluid beta 2 microglobulin: correlation with L/S ratios and creatinine levels
The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2 m) levels in amniotic fluid decrease with gestational age. Elevated beta 2 m may indicate fetal abnormalities but doesn't reliably predict fetal maturity.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2 m) is a protein found on cell surfaces.
- Its levels in amniotic fluid may offer insights into fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the trend of beta 2 microglobulin levels in amniotic fluid during late gestation.
- To explore the correlation between beta 2 m levels and indicators of fetal maturity and potential abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Amniotic fluid samples were collected after the 32nd week of gestation.
- Beta 2 microglobulin levels were quantified.
- Correlations with lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios and creatinine levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Beta 2 m levels showed a continuous decline from 5.2 microgram/ml at 32 weeks to 3.08 microgram/ml after 39 weeks.
- Abnormally high beta 2 m levels were detected in 12.6% of samples.
- Significant correlations were observed between beta 2 m and lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios (at 32 weeks) and creatinine levels (at 37-38 weeks).
Conclusions:
- Elevated beta 2 m levels may be linked to maternal or fetal conditions.
- Current data do not support the use of beta 2 m estimation for determining fetal maturity.