Fetal Liver Function Tests: Umbilical Cord Gamma-Glutamyltransferase as a Marker for Fetal Abnormality

Abstract

The objective was to assess the association of fetal liver function tests in various (noninfectious) abnormal fetal conditions. Liver function tests and complete blood counts were evaluated in 72 consecutive fetal blood specimens obtained by cordocentesis. The indications for cordocentesis included: fetal malformation (24), red blood cell alloimmunization (23), possible fetal infection (17), oligohydramnios (5), and immunologic thrombocytopenic purpura (3). Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. Liver function tests including total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase were all within the range of previously published normal values. However, fetal γ-glutamyltransferase levels (mean ± SEM)were 157.1 ± 15.1 IU/l (norm: 24.4 ± 1.2 IU/l; p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the γ-glutamyltransferase levels between the various groups of fetal abnormalities. Mean fetal γ-glutamyltransferase levels in 8 normal fetuses were 106.2 ± 17.5 IU/l. In conclusion, fetal γ-glutamyltransferase levels are significantly elevated in several abnormal fetal conditions.

Analysis of blood from Zika virus-infected fetuses: a prospective case series

“…Similar dysfunction is also observed in other congenital infections (cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis) 34 as well as in other congenital disorders. 35 All fetuses had anaemia (severe in one case). In congenital fetal infections, only parvovirus B19 is known to have an affinity for erythropoid precursor cells leading to hydrops fetalis and intrauterine growth restriction.…”

Fetal Gammaglutamyl Transferase Activity: Clinical Implication in Fetal Medicine

“…There is little data on human fetal GGT activity [15], but it has been clearly detected in the fetal liver, kidney [16] and pancreas [17], and a recent publication points out that it is difficult to interprétate slight elevations of GGT activity [18]. Pregnancy outcome is presented in table 2.…”

Assay of Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Activity in Amniotic Fluid Offers a Possible Prenatal Diagnosis of Biliary Atresia in the Rat Model

“…Fetuses with gastrointestinal obstructions have high levels of GGTP in the amniotic fluid at a given stage of gestation (Muller et al, 1994). Also, GGTP values in fetal blood specimens are significantly elevated in several other abnormal fetal conditions such as heart defects, bowel obstruction, and renal abnormalities (Hallak et al, 1994). Consideration of karyotype determination and serial ultrasound studies are thus warranted for a differential diagnosis.…”