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Is the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio outdated?
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb06436.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 90, Issue 11, pages 995–1000, November 1983
Additional Information
How to Cite
JAMES, D. K., TINDALL, V. R. and RICHARDSON, T. (1983), Is the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio outdated?. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 90: 995–1000. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb06436.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Received 3 February 1983 Accepted 5 June 1983
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary. The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio in amniotic fluid is an excellent predictor of fetal lung maturity in most pregnancies but today its value is limited. A review of the use of the L/S ratio service in Manchester from 1975 to 1981 (inclusive) shows a dramatic and consistent fall in the number of requests made over the last 18 months of this period resulting in inconvenience and inefficiency in the laboratory service. Possible explanations for the declining use of the L/S ratio service are discussed with particular reference to St Mary's Hospital, Manchester and a regional re-organization of laboratory assessment of fetal lung maturity is proposed.