Factors affecting the yeild of urinary estriol.

ABSTRACT

PIP Technical and maternal factors known to affect urinary estriol level or its measurement are discussed in view of the current use of serial estriol as an indicator of fetoplacental function. Technical artifacts can result from presence of methenamine mandelate, phenolphthalein, glucose, or high urine specific gravity. Aside from normal maternal factors such as inaccurate urine collection or variable fluid intake, estriol levels are depressed by corticosteroids and ampicillin. Pyelone phritis, anemia, hemoglobinopathy, abnormal renal status, malnutrition, and high altitude all depress estriol level or excretion. In some conditions such as pyelonephritis, amniotic estriol level may be a better indicator of fetal status.^ieng