SERUM LEVELS OF HUMAN CHORIONIC SOMATOMAMMOTROPIN (HCS) IN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL PREGNANCIES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Serum levels of human placental chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) were determined by radioimmunoassay (immunosorbent) in 800 pregnancies, normal as well as pathological. The normal group comprised 200 pregnant women (254 estimations). Correlation has been found to exist between the placental weight and the HCS levels as determined in the last few weeks before onset of labour. In connection with twin pregnancies HCS levels were found to be in the upper end or above the normal range. In cases of anencephaly HCS levels were found to be normal with low values of oestrogen excretion in urine. Other examples may be mentioned in support of the importance of the HCS estimation to the evaluation of the placental function.