[Alpha-amylase/glucose index in amniotic fluid as a new method in prenatal assessment of fetal maturity].

Prenatal diagnosis of amniotic fluid enables fetal maturity evaluation, particularly that of fetal lungs. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of on alpha-amylase/glucose index in amniotic fluid in comparison to routinely performed tests, used for prenatal fetal lung maturity evaluation, particularly in respect of PG concentration, whose predictive value is almost 100%. The study was carried out on 180 pregnant women, chosen by random selection, hospitalized in Polish Mother's Health Centre Hospital in the period from 15.06.1994 to 31.12.1995. 223 samples of amniotic fluid were tested- in all samples following assays and tests were performed: bubble stability test (BST), optical density, orange cells test, phosphatidylglycerol concentration (PG), glucose concentration, alpha-amylase activity urea and creatinine concentration. The alpha-amylase/glucose index in amniotic fluid is statistically significant with PG concentration. The value of the alpha-amylase/glucose index is < 6.0 when amniotic fluid assay indicates fetal immaturity, but when amniotic fluid assay indicates fetal maturity, its value is 36.0. The evaluation of fetal lung maturity on the basis of the alpha-amylase/glucose index multiply decreases the cost of examinations. Authors make a suggestion to implement this method in all hospital departments of the country.