[A comparative study of the sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, and uric acid concentrations in the human amniotic fluid between weeks 15-20 and 38-42].

UNLABELLED

The amniotic fluid physiology is a dynamic process involving maternal and fetal compartments and depends on gestational age.

PURPOSE

To analyze the concentration of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, and uric acid in the amniotic fluid of normal pregnant women in the second and third trimester. Also, to evaluate the influence of maternal age, race, parity, and fetal sex on those elements.

METHOD

Fifty samples obtained by genetic amniocentesis (15-20 weeks, group I) and fifty obtained by elective cesarean section (38-42 weeks, group II) were analyzed. According to the variables we used the following statistical tests: Analysis of variance; Test t Student: Chi-square test; Mann-Whitney test (a 0.05 pounds).

RESULTS

In group II, urea, creatinine and uric acid levels were significantly higher than in group I. The sodium level was significantly lower in group II compared with group I. The potassium concentration did not show any significant difference in both groups. There was no significant interference of maternal age, race, parity and fetal sex in any of the five studied variables.

CONCLUSION

These findings were emphasized for prenatal diagnosis purposes and analysis of renal function. The authors suggest future comparisons of obtained "normal" data with pathological situations.