ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine whether hemoglobin quantitations using the Hemocue system, a rapid and portable hemoglobin photometer, on fetal blood obtained via funipuncture were accurate compared to the Coulter S-Plus IV. We also examined whether gestational age or extremes in hemoglobin levels significantly affected the accuracy of the Hemocue system. METHODS: We performed fetal hemoglobin quantitations using both systems on 58 specimens obtained between 18-38 weeks' gestation. Correlation between values by both systems was determined by linear regression analysis. The effects of gestational age and hemoglobin extremes on the accuracy of the Hemocue system were evaluated by stepwise regression. RESULTS: The mean Hemocue value was 12.0 +/- 2.4 g/dL (range 3.3-16.4); the mean Coulter value was 11.7 +/- 2.3 g/dL (range 3.6-16.2). The regression equation for Hemocue (y) versus Coulter (x) values was y = 0.72 + 0.97x; r = 0.94 (P < .0001). Neither gestational age nor hemoglobin extremes significantly affected the accuracy of the Hemocue system. CONCLUSION: The Hemocue system is rapid and accurate for fetal hemoglobin quantitation between 18-38 weeks' gestation regardless of extremes in gestational age or hemoglobin levels.
Subject(s)
Fetal Hemoglobin/analysis , Hemoglobinometry/methods , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Gestational Age , Hemoglobinometry/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Pregnancy , Regression Analysis , Reproducibility of Results , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The objective was to assess the association of fetal liver function tests in various (noninfectious) abnormal fetal conditions. Liver function tests and complete blood counts were evaluated in 72 consecutive fetal blood specimens obtained by cordocentesis. The indications for cordocentesis included: fetal malformation (24), red blood cell alloimmunization (23), possible fetal infection (17), oligohydramnios (5), and immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura (3). Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. Liver function tests including total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase were all within the range of previously published normal values. However, fetal gamma-glutamyltransferase levels (mean +/- SEM) were 157.1 +/- 15.1 IU/l (norm: 24.4 +/- 1.2 IU/l; p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the gamma-glutamyltransferase levels between the various groups of fetal abnormalities. Mean fetal gamma-glutamyltransferase levels in 8 normal fetuses were 106.2 +/- 17.5 IU/l. In conclusion, fetal gamma-glutamyltransferase levels are significantly elevated in several abnormal fetal conditions.
Subject(s)
Fetal Blood/enzymology , Fetus/physiology , Liver Function Tests , Liver/embryology , Liver/physiology , gamma-Glutamyltransferase/blood , Blood Cell Count , Congenital Abnormalities/enzymology , Female , Fetal Diseases/enzymology , Gestational Age , Humans , Infections/diagnosis , Oligohydramnios/diagnosis , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis , Rh Isoimmunization/diagnosisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to compare the relative sizes of circulating lymphocyte subsets in fetuses, newborns, and adults. STUDY DESIGN: Two-color flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte cell surface markers was performed on blood from 64 fetuses, 22 newborns, and 67 normal adults. RESULTS: All three groups had similar percentages of CD3+ total T cells, CD4+ helper T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic/suppressor T cells, and CD20+ B cells. Compared with adults, fetuses and newborns had markedly reduced percentages of CD57+ natural killer T cells and consistently increased percentages of CD5+CD20+ B cells. Most fetal and cord T and B lymphocytes expressed the activation marker CD38. CONCLUSIONS: Similarities and age-dependent differences exist among fetal, newborn, and adult circulating lymphocyte subsets. Lymphocyte marker analysis may prove useful in the detection of fetal infection and other complications of gestation.