Alkaline phosphatase is normally found in many parts of the body and high levels of serum alkaline phosphatase are. encountered in various bone and liver diseases.
In 1935, Cayla and Fabre first reported a progressive increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity in pregnancy. Since that time many investigators have reported different levels of both maternal and fetal serum alkaline phosphatase in normal and complicated pregnancies and the newborn. Furthermore, recently some investigators have. suggested the possible clinical use of maternal serum alkaline phosphatase levels as an aid in the assessment of placental function and fetal maturity.
In this report, the results of our determinations of serum alkaline phosphatase in normal and complicated pregnancies and the newborn .are presented and the values of maternal serum are compared,. with those of fetal serum.
Serum alkaline phosphatase was determined by the Bodansky method. Determinations were, performed on 20 apparently normal gravida in the first trimester, 26 in the second trimester, 28 in the third trimester, 22 patients ovith toxemia, 6 patients of twin pregnancy, 21 mothers and newborn infants. at´- delivery and 20 healthy non-pregnant women in reproductive period as controls.
The. results were summarized as follows
1) The maternal serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) activity increased markedly in the third trimester, reaching a peak mean value during active labor.
2) Mean fetal SAP value immediately after birth was also elevated above the normal non-pregnant upper limit, but insignificantly lower than that of meternal serum at delivery.
3) There was no direct correlation between the individual maternal and fetal values. Both were not influenced by the maternal age or parity, the sex of the fetus or its weight.
4) In toxemia of pregnancy, the mean value of maternal SAP was higher than that of normal pregnancy at the same stage. But no consistent relationship between maternal SAP levels and severity of toxemia was noted.
5) In multiple pregnancy, the mean meternal SAP was higher than in normal or toxemic single pregnancy.
6) The origin of the increased SAP in pregnancy was discussed.
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