[Human placental lactogen and free estriol in maternal blood before and after external version of the fetus from breech to vertex presentation near to term (author's transl)].

In 51 patients with 53 external versions of the child from breech presentation to vertex presentation near to term under tocolysis, the maternal serum-level of human placental lactogen (HPL) and free estriol (E3) was examined immediately before attempting the version and also 30 minutes and 60 minutes after the version, in order to find out whether these two parameters vary according to stress made on the placenta and fetus. In the whole group these were no significant differences in the HPL and estriol levels 30 and 60 minutes after the version compared with the levels before the version. Furthermore comparisons made with attempted versions with heavier stress on the placenta, such as anterior wall placenta, small volume of amniotic fluid, longer duration of the version, and placenta insufficiency did not lead to any significant HPL or estriol decrease in these groups.