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Amniotic Fluid Lecithin/Sphingomyelin Ratio as an Index of Fetal Maturity

From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Miami Medical School, Miami, Fla 33152.

Abstract

A simple, rapid and reproducible semiquantitative method for determining the amniotic fluid phospholipid lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was used to study 190 samples from 140 women. L/S ratio and infant birth-weight correlated significantly (r = 0.5). Amniotic fluid L/S ratio correlated significantly with amniotic fluid fat cells (Nile blue stain), bilirubin (LOD₄₀₀), creatinine and amniotic fluid/maternal blood creatinine ratio. In small infants (<2500 g) with an L/S ratio >2.0, neonatal respiratory problems were not noted. In infants with an L/S ratio <2.0, 6 (33.3%) had respiratory distress and 3 (16.7%) died of respiratory problems. This test is recommended before early delivery to decrease neonatal respiratory problems.

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