ASSESSMENT OF FETAL LUNG MATURITY BY AMNIOTIC-FLUID LECITHIN DETERMINATION

The aim of this study was to draw attention to the possibilities for estimating fetal lung maturity by amniotic lecithin determination. This method is particularly indicated in premature births, or when a preterm delivery is required because of high risk pregnancy. Determinations included phospholipid components of pulmonary surfactant in the amniotic fluid, of whom lecithin is considered the most important one. Two parallel methods were applied for this purpose: determination of lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and lecithin determination by enzymatic method. The first method could be used as a good screening test for RDS in emergency situations. Amniotic fluid lecithin determination has proved to be an accurate method for detecting the actual degree of the functional fetal lung maturity.