[Multidisciplinary assessment of the fetus with hydrocephalus: study protocol and results]. / Evaluación multidisciplinaria del feto con hidrocefalia: protocolo de estudio y resultados.

The objective was to make the confirmation-exclusion diagnosis of fetal hydrocephaly, to study its etiology and identify associated anomalies. 67 cases with suspected fetal hydrocephaly were studied at 30 weeks of mean gestational age. Serial studies of ultrasonography, TORCH serology and fetal karyotype were made. Postnatal correlation was made. 14 cases were not confirm and 53 were. 6 cases (11.3%) were classified as isolated hydrocephaly and 47 (88.7%) with associated anomalies. In this group, 15 with only intracranial anomalies and 32 intracranial and extracranial anomalies. All chromosomic anomalies were found in this latter group. Proved in all the cases of hydrocephaly and most of its associated anomalies were documented. Fetal hydrocephaly can be accurately diagnosed with the technology presently available. The diagnosis of associated anomalies is more difficult to obtain, but can be reached using serial studies and multidisciplinary approach.

[Chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) in the amniotic fluid in normal pregnant women]. / Gonadotropin coriónica (beta-HCG) en el líquido amniótico de embarazadas normales.

Human chorionic gonadotropin beta subunit (beta-HCG) was measured in amniotic fluid and radioimmunoassay levels compared with those obtained in plasma from normal pregnant women. Amniotic beta-HCG exhibited a secretory pattern similar to that seen in the plasma compartment. Nonetheless amniotic beta-HCG had an elevation peak later than its plasma counterpart, with a progressive decrease that persisted throughout gestation without reaching a nadir as it occurred in plasma. Such a pattern of HCG production contained in the amnion is compatible with an HCG conformation released by the syncytiotrophoblast.