The predictive value of total estriol; HPL and Hb on perinatal outcome in severe pre-eclampsia.

The prognostic value of total maternal plasma estriol, human placental lactogen (HPL) and hemoglobin (Hb) with regard to perinatal outcome was compared in 74 cases of severe pre-eclampsia. No combination of the tests predicted all cases of fetal and newborn pathology. HPL was the most reliable single test in cases of intra-uterine growth retardation, while Hb was the best predictor of severe fetal pathology and perinatal distress. In cases of severe fetal and neonatal pathology, the prognostic value of the combination of HPL and Hb was more reliable than the combination of all the three tests.