Amniotic fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in third trimester normal and growth retarded fetuses

Objective: On the basis of experimental data suggesting a role of tumor necrosis factor-α in inducing trophoblast growth failure and fetal growth retardation, we determined its presence and concentration in third trimester amniotic fluid of normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth retardation secondary to uteroplacental insufficiency. Methods: Amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α were measured in 10 control pregnancies and 12 pregnancies complicated by growth retardation and characterized by Doppler findings suggestive of uteroplacental insufficiency. Tumor necrosis factor-α was measured with a sensitive and specific enzyme-immunoassay and the values obtained related to the severity of fetal compromise. Results: Tumor necrosis factor-α was detected in all the samples studied and no variations were evidenced in the gestational age period considered. No significant differences were evidenced in tumor necrosis factor-α levels of control pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by growth retardation. No relationships were evidenced between tumor necrosis factor-α values and either the severity of growth retardation or the impairment in uteroplacental and fetal circulation. Conclusion: Tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations in amniotic fluid of third trimester growth retarded fetuses secondary to uteroplacental insufficiency are similar to those of normally growing fetuses and are not related to the severity of fetal compromise.