Liver function tests during the perinatal period

ABSTRACT

Serum iso-citrate dehydrogenase (ICD); aspartate transaminase (AST); alkaline phosphatase (ALP); gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT); total bilirubin; total protein and albumin were determined and compared in 68 paired maternal and corresponding cord blood and in 70 age-matched non-pregnant females. The subjects were without previous history or physical findings of liver disease. The data show that the levels of AST; GGT and total bilirubin were significantly higher in cord blood (p;0.001) than in either maternal or non-pregnant female blood. Serum total protein and albumin were however significantly lower in cord blood (p0.001) than in either maternal or non-present female blood. The significance of the finding especially in the interpretation of liver function tests in the neonate is discussed