Changing patterns of fetal lung maturity testing

Abstract

Objective: In our laboratory, a decrease in fetal lung maturity (FLM) testing on amniotic fluid occurred over a 10-year period, and we desired to determine if this was a national phenomenon and, if present, ascertain possible etiologies.

Study design: Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellows, both in academic centers and private practice, were surveyed with regard to current usage of FLM testing.

Result: Of 680 surveys, 417 (61%) responses were returned and 60% noted a decrease in FLM testing (range of reduction--foam stability index 65%, fluorescence polarization 35%, phosphatidyl glycerol 71%, lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio 70%). The most common reason suggested for the decline is that the tests were not needed for patient management.

Conclusion: Obstetric patterns of FLM testing have declined, principally in near-term pregnancies, and this could adversely affect neonatal outcome.