Evaluation of the feto-placental function by means of intraamniotic administration of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate.

It is well known that in pregnancy dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS) (90% synthetized by the fetal adrenals, 10% by the maternal ones) is converted into estrogens mainly in the placenta. In order to evaluate the steroid metabolizing capacity of the placental enzymatic complex under load conditions, a test was devised based upon a rapid introduction of 200 mg of DHEAS into the amniotic compartment during the third trimester of gestation. The purpose of the present investigation was to establish the clinical utility of such a test in comparison with the simple urinary estrogen determination test.