The recent article on “erythropoietin in amniotic fluid” is very interesting [Citation1]. Mikovic et al. concluded that “amniotic fluid erythropoietin concentration is elevated in growth-restricted fetuses and could potentially be used for distinction between growth restricted and constitutionally small fetuses” [Citation1]. Indeed, relationship of amniotic fluid index and cord blood erythropoietin levels is well confirmed in cases with small for gestational age problems [Citation2]. Determination of erythropoietin in amniotic fluid is a useful investigation. However, other pathological conditions can contribute to aberrations in levels of amniotic erythropoietin (such as parvo virus B19 infection [Citation3] and hypoxia [Citation4]).
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest.
References
- Mikovic Z, Mandic V, Parovic V, et al. Erythropoietin in amniotic fluid as a potential marker in distinction between growth restricted and constitutionally small fetuses. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2013. [Epub ahead of print]. doi:10.3109/14767058.2013.851184
- Doi S, Osada H, Seki K, Sekiya S. Relationship of amniotic fluid index and cord blood erythropoietin levels in small for and appropriate for gestational age fetuses. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:768–72
- Yoshida M, Matsuda H, Yoshinaga Y, et al. Analysis about the influence on the fetus infected with parvovirus B19 using amniotic erythropoietin and troponin-T. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013;288:521–5
- Teramo KA, Widness JA. Increased fetal plasma and amniotic fluid erythropoietin concentrations: markers of intrauterine hypoxia. Neonatology 2009;95:105–16