Serum human placental lactogen levels in intra-uterine fetal growth retardation
Zail, S.S.; Safro, I.L.
South African Medical Journal 49(48): 2022-2024
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 1198236 Document Number: 86070
Serum human placental lactogen (HPL) levels were measured in the last trimester of pregnancy in 16 mothers who delivered small-for-gestational-age babies. Only 3 patients had levels which were below the normal range, while 4 others had levels close to the lower limit of the normal range. The finding of a normal serum HPL level therefore does not exclude the possibility of intra-uterine fetal growth retardation. No correlation was found between serum HPL levels at 37-39 weeks and infant or placental weights in full-term normal deliveries.