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The Lecithin/Sphingomyelin Ratio in Twin Pregnancies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2014

R.J. Norman  and
S.M. Joubert
R.J. Norman*
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Natal, Congella, South Africa
S.M. Joubert
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Natal, Congella, South Africa
*
Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, P.O. Box 17039, Congella 4013, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

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The lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio showed no difference between the two amniotic sacs in 24 multiple pregnancies examined before the onset of labor. Once labor started, however, the L/S ratio was higher in the first sac compared to the second in the six pregnancies where labor had commenced and was somewhat advanced at the time of amniocentesis. Dual-sac amniocentesis is essential during labor when assessment of pulmonary maturity is required, whereas single-sac sampling is adequate before the start of labor.

Keywords

Multiple pregnancyAmniocentesisLecithin/Sphingomyelin ratioPhospholipidsLung maturity
Type
Research Article
Information
Acta geneticae medicae et gemellologiae: twin research , Volume 31 , Issue 3-4: Special Issue on Twin Pregnancies , July 1982 , pp. 255 - 258
Copyright
Copyright © The International Society for Twin Studies 1982

References

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