HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN LEVELS IN AMNIOTIC FLUID IN RHESUS ISOIMMUNIZATION

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Abstract
Summary: Human placental lactogen (HPL) levels were measured in the amniotic fluid of 56 patients with rhesus isoimmunization. The more severe the disease the higher were the levels attained and the earlier in pregnancy did the rise occur. Levels above 1μg./ml. at any stage of pregnancy suggested an unfavourable outcome for the fetus, while levels less than 0.7μg./ml. after the 28th week of pregnancy indicated a favourable outcome. There was no relationship between the concentration of HPL in amniotic fluid, and the volume of amniotic fluid and there was thus no need to correct HPL levels for amniotic fluid volume. It is concluded that HPL estimations in amniotic fluid are a useful adjunct to other tests in the management of rhesus isoimmunization.