[Lipid composition in placental homogenates of mature, premature and small for gestational age newborns (author's transl)].

Total lipids, phospholipids, and neutral lipids were determined in the placentas of mature, premature and small for gestational age babies. In addition the phospholipids and neutral lipids were calculated as percentage of total lipids. The distribution of fatty acids in placental phospholipids is reported. The difference found in the concentration of placental lipids is statistically significant at the 5% level between the groups of premature and small for gestational age babies. The increase of neutral lipids and the reduced content of phospholipids in placentas of small for gestational age babies are discussed as a possible sign of placental insufficiency.