Amniotic fluid lysozyme content in normal and abnormal pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid lysozyme content of 127 normal and 37 abnormal specimens obtained from women at various stages of gestation was measured in this study. Normal amniotic fluid lysozyme content increased gradually from the early stage of gestation to the late part of the 2nd trimester, and rapidly after 32 weeks gestation. These changes in amniotic fluid lysozyme content are similar to changes in amylase and creatinine content reported previously. However, high levels of lysozyme activity were exhibited in cases of diabetic pregnancy, premature rupture of membrane, and fetuses with digestive disorders. However, amniotic fluid lysozyme content was low in cases of fetuses with anencephaly. Lysozyme content in cases of Rh incompatibility and preeclampsia was considered to be in normal range. These results might indicate that the significance of lysozyme activity on amniotic fluid is considerably different than the significance of other parameters such as amylase and creatinine activity.