Argenine tolerance test and amniotic fluid c-peptide in pregnancies with intra uterine growth retardation

Amniotic fluid C-peptide [AFCP] was measured under basal conditions and two hours after arginine load in twenty pregnant women with intrauterine growth retardation [IUGR] at 36-38 weeks gestation and twenty women with uneventful pregnancies of the same gestational age. Significant reduction of AFCP was found in pregnancies with IUGR compared with normal pregnancies. Two hours after arginine tolerance test, sluggish secretory response of B cells was detected in the IUGR group compared with the control one. An underlying explanation was presented. Data suggested that arginine tolerance test might be of value in assessing fetal wellbeing