Is chlorine and sodium levels in the amniotic fluid a new marker for fetal lung maturation and RDS severity?

BACKGROUND

Amniotic fluid (AF) is a dynamic liquid whose contents vary according to the needs of the fetus. Levels of the amniotic components have been used in numerous studies as potential biomarkers to screen pregnancy-related abnormalities. As a reflection of Na+ and Cl- levels of fetal lung fluid, amniotic fluid's Na+ and Cl- levels can be used as an indicator of lung maturation in the newborn period. This study aimed to investigate whether Na+ and Cl- levels in the amniotic fluid would be a new marker to determine the severity of respiratory distress and pulmonary maturation in the newborn.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted at Hacettepe University Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. One hundred twenty single infants who were delivered with the cesarean section between January 2015 and March 2016 were included. Na+ and Cl- levels were measured from AF.

RESULTS

There were 46 of 120 infants (33.3%) in Group-1 and 74 infants (66.7%) in Group-2. Na + and Cl- levels of the AF of Group-1 were higher than Group 2 and this was statistically significant (p < .001/p: .01, respectively). Na+ and Cl- levels of the AF were significantly higher in infants who needed surfactant (p < .001/p: .001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that Na+ and Cl- levels of the AF can be used as an indicator of infant lung maturation.