Relation of placental prolactogen and E3 in the blood of pregnant women to placental grading by ultrasonography and its clinical significance

Serum HPL and E3 of normal pregnant women and some pathologic pregnancies were dynamically measured and the relationship between their levels and placental gradings were investigated. The peak values of HPL and E3 were found in 13.16 +/- 7.49 and 15.68 +/- 6.51 days before delivery. The serum concentrations of the two hormones in women with severe PIH syndrome, postdate pregnancy and intrauterine fetal growth retardation (IUGR) were lowered. E3 declined earlier than HPL Analysis of the HPL, E3 levels in comparison with placental grading showed that the decline of the two hormones was mainly found in patients with grade III placenta.