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Prenatal evaluation of fetal renal function based on serum beta2-microglobulin assessment |
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| Authors: | Valentina Ciardelli Nicola Rizzo Antonio Farina Marisa Vitarelli Paola Boni Luciano Bovicelli |
| Institution: | 1. Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica e Medicina dell'Eta' Prenatale Ospedale S. Orsola, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy;2. Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy;3. Laboratorio Centralizzato Ospedale S. Orsola, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy |
| Abstract: | The relationship between fetal renal function (FRF) and fetal serum beta2-microglobulin (B2MG) was investigated by comparing its value in 112 unaffected fetuses with that of 23 fetuses presenting with urinary tract malformations (UTM). Fetal serum level of B2MG was totally unrelated to gestational age; its value increased in cases of severe impairment of FRF but was similar to controls in all mild uropathies (p<0.05). Evaluating serum B2MG could be beneficial in fetuses with severe renal damage, but is of no use in unilateral UTM since only the global FRF is tested and not the function of each single kidney. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
| Keywords: | beta2-microglobulin cordocentesis fetal renal function congenital uropathies |