Interpretation of the TDx-FLM Fluorescence Polarization Assay in Pregnancies Complicated by Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is to determine the applicability of the Abbott TDx-FLM fluorescence polarization assay in pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus. Retrospective review of records of women with pregnancies complicated by diabetes who underwent amniocentesis for fetal lung maturity using the Abbott TDx-FLM assay within 3 days of delivery was considered. Maternal diabetic control, neonatal birth weight, Apgar scores, umbilical cord gases, admissions to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were evaluated. One hundred twenty-one patients with diabetes mellitus were identified. Thirteen (10.7%) had an FLM ≤70 mg/g and 108 patients had ≥70 mg/g. All obstetrical and diabetic variables were similar. RDS was not observed in neonates who had an FLM of ≥70 mg/g. One neonate had RDS (FLM = 7.2 mg/g). The TDx-FLM ≥70 mg/g may be interpreted as mature when obtained from transabdominal amniocentesis.