Amniotic fluid epidermal growth factor levels in normal and abnormal pregnancies

Objective: To determine the concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in amniotic fluid (AF) from women during late pregnancy, with and without pathophysiologic complications. Methods: All AFs were collected by amniocentesis from the following groups: gestational age at least 38 weeks (n = 15); gestational age 36-37 weeks (n = 10); gestational age 35 weeks (n = 5); labor 34 weeks or less, delivered within 7 days (n = 10); labor 34 weeks or less, undelivered (n = 10), chorioamnionitis (n = 7); gestational age- matched controls (n = 7); term, in labor (n = 8); term, not in labor (n = 8); intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) 38 weeks or more (n = 8); macrosomia at 38 weeks or more (n = 10). Epidermal growth factor was assayed using a specific radioimmunoassay. Results: Amniotic fluid EGF levels increase rapidly in late pregnancy but are not altered by chorioamnionitis or by term or preterm labor. Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with lower EGF levels in AF, but macrosomia is without effect. Conclusions: Epidermal growth factor levels in AF are increased near term and decreased in pregnancies complicated by IUGR; they may be an indicator of specific maturational events.