Leucocyte metabolism in maternal and cord blood in intrauterine malnutrition (IUM).

Leucocyte metabolism was studied in maternal and cord blood in normal term pregnancies with and without intrauterine malnutrition (IUM). It was observed that hexose monophosphate shunt activity was significantly reduced in the leucocytes of both the mothers and infants with IUM. Glycogen content in the cord leucocytes was also reduced, indicating a reduction in the defense mechanism in the infants. Protein/DNA ratio was significantly increased in both the maternal and cord leucocytes in IUM. It would appear that IUM, especially in a high-risk population, can be predicted in early third trimester by using maternal leucocyte protein/DNA.