A study of perinatal outcome in patients with low Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)

Abstract

Background: The amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus is a very essential component of normal intrauterine growth. It creates a physical space for the musculoskeletal development, promotes normal lung development & helps to avert compression of the umbilical cord. The importance of amniotic fluid volume as an indicator of fetal well being has made its assessment an important part of antenatal foetal surveillance. Aims & Objectives: In this study, the purpose of taking group of women with oligohydramnios beyond 37 weeks of gestation is because the etiology, management and the outcome is different in later onset oligohydramnios compared to early onset oligohydramnios. Thus this study is conducted to find out the value of AFI 5cm (oligohydramnios) on the perinatal outcome and maternal outcome pregnancies beyond 37 weeks of gestation. Methods: The hospital based, time bound, prospective study, was conducted on 200 subjects admitted to AMCH with an AFI40 wks and IUDs. Results: A total of 200 cases of isolated oligohydramnios were assessed majority falling in the age group of 21-25 years. Primis with oligo were 48% NST was reactive in 62%.USG profile being normal in 80% and 20% abnormal. Out of these, 25% had vaginal delivery and 75% CS. Fetal distress (62%) being the major indication for CS.58% of neonates had a mean birth wt of >2.5 kg, 38% had NICU admission. Perinatal mortality observed in 12%. Conclusion: Oligohydramnios is associated with LBW, low APGAR score and higher NICU admission. Pregnancy with isolated oligohydramnios is not associated with impaired fetal growth or an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome and requires no aggressive treatment.

Keywords

• Amniotic fluid
• Oligohydramnios
• Foetal distress
• NICU admission