Alpha-1-antitrypsin in umbilical cord serum and amniotic fluid in Egyptian newborn babies

A[1] Antitrypsin, a major a[1]- globulin protease, is measured in cord [fetal] blood, amniotic fluid and maternal blood in 26 F.T. infants [15 AG A, 11 SG A] as well as in 7 preterm deliveries. 11 other non-pregnant females acted as control for maternal blood. A[1]-AT level in pregnant females was found to be higher than in the non-pregnants, and in those giving birth to full term than to preterm babies Cord blood a,-AT was found to correlate well with birth weight as well as with gestational age. Amniotic fluid a[1]-AT was lower in preterm and SGA groups compared to F.T. infants. The relation between a[1]-AT level and development of respiratory distress syndrome was discussed and the follow-up of babies with low levels was recommended