Abstract
In order to investigate prospectively the relationship between maternal serum levels of a biologic marker of alcohol and the outcome of pregnancy, we measured serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in 628 women between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. An abnormally elevated value was observed in 6.8% of the cases but only 16.2% of these suspected alcohol abusers admitted drinking practices during pregnancy. Analysis of obstetrical issue and blind examination of 541 newborns showed a significant correlation between raised GGT levels and an increased incidence of pre-/perinatal complications, congenital anomalies and intrauterine growth retardation. However, the sensitivity of this test is weak, limiting its use in the early recognition and prevention of fetal alcohol effects.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Halpérin, D., Assimacopoulos, A., Lacourt, G. et al. MATERNAL SERUM GAMMA-GLUTAMYLTRANSFERASE IN THE PRENATAL SCREENING OF FETAL ALCOHOL EFFECTS. Pediatr Res 19, 1086 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00110
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00110