[Comparative examinations of high-molecular maternal serum protein bodies during pregnancy--a contribution to biochemical pregnancy control (author's transl)].

The maternal Serum concentrations of beta 1 SP 1, IgM and alpha 2-macroglobulin were determined in relation to the gestation age, using the simple radial immunodiffusion method in 102 non-pathologic pregnancies and 35 pregnancies involving risk factors. To assess the clinical relevance of these determinations, we examined to what extent the changes in concentration of beta 1 SP 1 IgM and alpha 2-macroglobulin would permit a prognostically useful conclusion on the placenta function and foetal condition. All patients with lowered beta 1 SP 1-serum concentrations were examined for their antepartua CTG-evaluation, as well as the type of termination of parturition. The normal distribution for beta 1 SP 1 showed a continuous rise in serum concentration up to the 37th pregnancy week. During the last 3 weeks, beta 1 SP 1 remained almost constant. For the cases with EPH-gestosis and placenta insufficiency, a beta 1 SP 1-concentration below the normal distribution level was found in the large majority of all cases. In diabetes mellitus during gravidity, twin gravidity and MHN, the determination of beta 1 SP 1 is not of any decisive prognostic significance. The maternal serum levels of IgM showed no significant differences when comparing normal pregnancy and risk pregnancy. The serum concentration of alpha 2-macroglobulin increased in both groups of patients with increasing gestation age. Of the three examined protein bodies, we consider beta 1 SP 1 to be a good, additional parameter for the assessment of the trophoblast function.