Hormone and enzyme levels in normal and complicated pregnancy

A retrospective study of 48 high-risk pregnancies has been made. The values of two hormonal and two enzyme assays have been compared in assessing placental function. Neither of the enzyme levels (serum heat-stable alkaline phosphatase and serum diamine oxidase) were found to be of clinical value. Serum human placental lactogen levels were consistently decreased in essential hypertension and in pregnancies terminating in stillbirth. Urinary estriol estimation proved to be more reliable, especially in monitoring the “light-for-dates baby” pregnancies and those pregnancies associated with perinatal death.