Comparison of Four Indexes to Fetal Pulmonary Maturity

Abstract
With use of the same amniotic fluid specimens, lecithin concentration was compared with nonchromatographically determined glycerophospholipid, total lipid phosphorus, and the bubble-stability test as indexes of fetal lung maturation. The lecithin analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatography, with use of a semiautomated method of spotting and nondigestive release of phosphorus from the separated spots. We conclude that, next to the chromatographic analysis, the best tests are glycerophosphatide P, the bubble-stability test, and total lipid P, in that descending order. Lecithin determination as compared with densitometric evaluation of the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio is discussed.

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