[Quantification of lamellar bodies in amniotic fluid: a method for the evaluation of fetal pulmonary maturity]

It was tried to know the counting up of lamellar bodies in amniotic fluid, as a test of fetal pulmonary maturity, comparing it with neonatal evolution. 31 samples of amniotic fluid of different ages of gestation, were obtained, lamellar bodies were quantified with a standard equipment of hematic counting, and comparing with neonatal evolution, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value are established. The established concentration of 30,000/l by comparison with Lecitine/Esfingomieline and with Fosfatidilglycerol was used. From 29 patients with counts greater than 30,000, none presented Respiratory Difficulty syndrome (SDR); and from two patients with lower counts, one presented SDR and one had normal neonatal evolution. Sensitivity was 96%; specificity was 100%; predictive positive value, 50%; and negative predictive value was 100%. Because of this, the test is so useful in practice. Its statistical values, its minimal cost; easiness to do, and equipment availability, justify this test as a first election.