FETAL LIVER-FUNCTION TESTS - UMBILICAL-CORD GAMMA-GLUTAMYL-TRANSFERASE AS A MARKER FOR FETAL-ABNORMALITY

The objective was to assess the association of fetal liver function te sts in various (noninfectious) abnormal fetal conditions. Liver functi on tests and complete blood counts were evaluated in 72 consecutive fe tal blood specimens obtained by cordocentesis. The indications for cor docentesis included: fetal malformation (24), red blood cell alloimmun ization (23), possible fetal infection (17), oligohydramnios (5), and immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura (3). Statistical analysis include d analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. Liver function tests including total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alanine and a spartate aminotransferase were all within the range of previously publ ished normal values. However, fetal gamma-glutamyltransferase levels ( mean +/- SEM) were 157.1 +/- 15.1 IU/l (norm: 24.4 +/- 1.2 IU/l; p < 0 .001). There were no statistically significant differences in the gamm a-glutamyltransferase levels between the various groups of fetal abnor malities. Mean fetal gamma-glutamyltransferase levels in 8 normal fetu ses were 106.2 +/- 17.5 IU/l. In conclusion, fetal gamma-glutamyltrans ferase levels are significantly elevated in several abnormal fetal con ditions.