[Artificial amniotic fluid instillation in premature rupture of fetal membranes and extreme prematurity as alternative therapy].

We report two cases of premature rupture of membranes and oligohydramnios (gestational age: 23rd/24th week). In both pregnancies artificial instillation of amniotic fluid (AIF) was performed once a week. We hypothesize that fetal head compression with impaired cerebral perfusion due to oligohydramnios causes periventricular leukomalacia. Prolongation of gestation of 36/23 days without neurological lesion support this method. Surveillance of these pregnancies in a perinatal center has to include very early detection of chorioamnionitis. If not so, gained prolongation of pregnancy with a lower rate of cerebral damage becomes harmful due to infection. Clinical benefits and disadvantages of this technique have to be evaluated in a prospective randomized trial.