Patterns of Pulmonary Maturation in Normal and Abnormal Pregnancy

Fetal pulmonary maturation may be a variable event depending on various feto-maternal environmental and bio-chemical influences. The patterns of maturation were studied in 211 amniotic fluid samples from 123 patients (normal 55; diabetes 23; Rh sensitization 19; preeclampsia 26). The phenomenon of globule formation from the amniotic fluid Iipid extract and its relation to pulmonary maturity was utilized for this analysis. Validation of this technique is presented. A normal curve was constructed from 22 to 42 weeksʼ gestation and compared to the abnormal pregnancies. Patients with class A, B, and C diabetes and Rh-sensitized pregnancies had delayed pulmonary maturation. Patients with class D diabetes and preeclampsia paralleled the normal course of maturation. A discussion of these results and their possible cause is presented.