[Levels of myoglobin in umbilical cord blood of infants born by spontaneous labor and cesarean section].

The levels of myoglobin in the umbilical cord blood of 20 full-term infants were studied in relation to spontaneous vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section, using the Rapitex Myoglobin (Behring Institute, Marburg, FRG). The content of myoglobin in umbilical cord blood was similar and within normal limits (less than 50 micrograms/l). We conclude that semiquantitative methods are not useful at birth to detect rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria secondary to the stress of vaginal delivery.