PERINATAL OUTCOME IN LOW AMMNIOTIC FLUID INDEX

Abstract

Introduction: In high risk pregnancies, there is a dire need to assess amniotic fluid
volume. If values of amniotic fluid volume fall within normal limits, it reassures us regarding well
being of fetus. The chronically stressed fetus is likely to have low amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid
index is a reliable fetal surveillance test and in some obstetrical units highly reliable parameter.
Decreased amniotic fluid index has been considered as an indicator of poor neonatal
outcome. AFI may be used to predict the occurrence of thick meconium stained liquor and
need for intervention for fetal distress in post date pregnancies. Study Design: Descriptive
Study. Settings: Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Fatima Memorial Hospital,
Lahore affiliated with Fatima College of Medicine & dentistry Lahore. Duration: 6 month from
7/2/2007 to 7/8/2007. Subjects and Methods: All pregnant women, meeting the inclusion
criteria admitted in labour room either through emergency or OPD were selected. The AFI
was calculated ultrasonically and these patients were followed till the time of delivery and the
APGAR scores of newborn were compared with AFI. Results: During the study period AFI
was measured in 60 patients. Among these patients, 32 patients had AFI between 3-4 cm and
babies were meconium stained, 23 patients had AFI of 5-6 cm and babies had normal APGAR
at the time of delivery. AFI was < 2 cm in 5 patients and babies required resuscitation and
admitted in nursery. Conclusion: The AFI is a reliable predictor of neonatal outcome.