Perinatal outcome associated with oligohydramnios in term pregnancies

Abstract

Introduction: Amniotic fluid is a complex substance essential to fetal well-beingand dynamic milieu that changes as pregnancy progresses andsurrounds developing fetus providing an ideal environment for normal fetal growth and development. Amniotic fluid volume is fetal well being which varies with gestational age and depends on a dynamic interaction between placenta, fetus and maternal components.

Methods: This was a hospital based descriptive study conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, from 14th April 2013 to 13th April 2014(2070) which consisted of singleton, term (37-42weeks) pregnancies admitted with ultrasonographicfinding of Amniotic Fluid Index≤ 5 with delivery within one week of ultrasonographicfinding. A prefixed questionnaire was used to fill maternal and fetal outcome parameters like age, parity, period of gestation, Amniotic Fluid Index, associated maternal conditions, mode of delivery, indication of Cesarean section, color of liquor and perinatal outcomes.

Results: Total 115 cases of oligohydramnioswere noted accounting for an incidence of 2.4%. 92 women were term, giving incidence of term oligohydramnios to be 2%. Out of 92 cases, 77(83.6%) underwent emergency caesarean section and 15 (16.3%) were delivered vaginally. Low birth weight of < 2.5 kg was noted in 14 (15.2%) babies and meconium stained liquor was present in 12 (13%) of oligohydramnios cases. APGAR score of < 7 at 1 minute and 5 minute was seen in 13 (14.13%) and 3 (3.26%) cases respectively. . Among 92 cases, 44 (47.8%) were associated with Prelabor Rupture of Membranes followed by post dated pregnancies and Intrauterine Growth Retardation accounting for 12 (13.1%) cases in each group

Conclusion: Prelabor Rupture of Membranes was  most common cause of term oligohydramnios resulting in high risk of caesarean delivery in oligohydramnios cases. Cesarean Section for oligohydramnios has been associated with good perinatal outcome.