[Alpha-fetoprotein and neonatology: Postnatal estimation of gestational age and idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (author's transl)].

Cord serum AFP levels have been determined in 66 newborn samples, between 30 to 42 weeks of gestational age. Results showed some relation between AFP rate and newborn maturity degree, so it was possible to foresay the gestational age with some limits of error +/- 17 days in full-term newborn, and +/- 10 days in premature ones. Cuantification in the amniotic fluid of 18 high risk gestation gave normal AFP rates. AFP of thirty patients with respiratory distress was tested. An AFP increase was present in 14 of 15 cases of hyaline membrane. On the remaining 15 cases of respiratory distress only 3 gave high levels. These facts point that AFP can be used as a suitable parameter in the biochemical diagnosis of hyaline membrane.