Prediction of Fetal Distress by Low Intra-amniotic Lysozyme Level

Abstract

Lysozyme activity was determined in amniotic fluid samples of 82 pregnant women at the end of gestation (37-40 wks). Forty eight specimens were from normal, while 34 were taken from high-risk pregnancies: Rh-alloim munisastion, hydramnios, diabetes mellitus complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes mellitus with Rh-alloimmunisation, and Rh-alloimmunisation complicated by pregnancy-induced hypertension. Signs of fetal distress were present in 18 high-risk pregnancies. Lysozyme concentration in amniotic fluid was signifi cantly lower in patients with signs of fetal distress, suffering from Rh-alloim munisation-s, and diabetes mellitus with Rh-alloimmunisation?. Our data support the possibility of using the intraamniotic lysozyme level as a predictor of fetal distress. (Thai J Obstet Gynaecol 1994; 6:19-21.)