Pyridoxine-related metabolite concentrations in normal and Down syndrome amniotic fluid.

Introduction: Some studies of children with Down syndrome have found mild abnormalities in the metabolism of pyridoxine (vitamin B(6)); therefore the present question is whether such abnormalities might also be present in the amniotic fluid of fetuses with Down syndrome.

Materials And Methods: Archived specimens of amniotic fluid were obtained from chromosomally normal and from fetuses with Down syndrome. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry quantitized B-related metabolites, including oxalate, xanthurenate, kynurenine and 4-pyridoxic acid.

Organic acid concentrations in amniotic fluid found in normal and Down syndrome pregnancies.

Introduction: Organic acids were examined from normal and Down syndrome pregnancies to identify possible differences between the amniotic fluid from fetuses with Down Syndrome compared with that of normal fetuses.

Materials And Methods: Amniotic fluids were obtained from prior amniocenteses. Forty-one normal and 22 Down syndrome specimens were assayed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.