Progesterone and 5α-Pregnane-3, 20-dione in Human Amniotic Fluid

Abstract

Progesterone and 5α-pregnane-3, 20-dione (5α-DHP) were determined by radioimmunoassay in 242 amniotic fluid samples from 16—19 weeks of gestation. 165 samples fulfilled the criteria of the normal collective. There is a positive correlation (r = 0.359, p < 0.001) between progesterone and 5α-DHP. The mean concentration (± SD) of progesterone for normal pregnancies was 68.04 ± 35.56 ng/ml, the mean for 5α-DHP was 6.6 ± 4.76 ng/ml. A slight decrease of the hormone concentrations with increase of the week of gestation was observed. 7 cases, who later developed EPH-gestosis showed a significant higher progesterone concentration (p < 0.05). 16 women with premature labor had a significant higher 5α-DHP concentration (p < 0.05). Significantly elevated progesterone and 5α-DHP values were found in 36 cases of bleedings in early pregnancy. Pregnant women older than 35 years proved to have a significant higher 5α-DHP concentration (p < 0.05). Also women, who delivered a child weighing less than 2500 g (n = 8), showed a significant higher progesterone concentration (p < 0.01). There was no difference in amniotic fluid progesterone and 5α-DHP concentration depending on the sex of the child. The hormone concentrations of 3 cases with Morbus Langdon-Down were slightly below the mean concentration for progesterone and 5α-DHP. Progesterone and 5α-DHP concentrations were found to be normal in one case each of open Ductus Botalli, esophagial atresia, conjunctival bleeding with eyelid edema, teleangiectasia, Morbus Gaucher, sicklefoot, omphalocele, clubfoot, and stillbirth respectively. The 5α-DHP concentration was increased in one case with anencephaly. Increased progesterone and 5α-DHP concentrations were also found in one women, who had an abortion as consequence of the amniocentesis in the 19^th week of gestation.