Is induction of fetal diuresis with intraamniotic furosemide effective for the removal of intestinal waste products from amniotic fluid?

AIM: In gastroschisis, contact with amniotic fluid (AF) causes intestinal damage. Intraamniotic meconium has been shown to be responsible for the intestinal damage, and intestinal damage has been shown to correlate with intraamniotic meconium concentrations. Intraamniotic meconium below a threshold level does not cause intestinal damage. Intraamniotic meconium concentrations can be lowered by AF exchange. Can induction of foetal diuresis by an intraamniotic injection of furosemide be used as an alternative method for the same purpose?

METHOD: Pregnant rabbits on the 23rd - 25th gestational days (normal gestation time: 31 - 33 days) were divided into two groups, the control group and the furosemide group. Initial AF samples were taken, then either 5 mg/kg furosemide or a placebo was injected into the amniotic cavity. Final AF samples were obtained 6 hours later. AF urea nitrogen, creatinine, amylase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels were determined.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the initial and final levels of AF urea nitrogen, creatinine, bilirubin, amylase, and alkaline phosphatase in the control group, while the final AF urea nitrogen and creatinine levels of the furosemide group were not significantly different from the initial levels (p > 0.05). Final AF bilirubin, amylase and alkaline phosphatase levels of the furosemide group were significantly decreased compared with initial levels (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Induction of foetal diuresis with intraamniotic furosemide is effective for the removal of intestinal waste products from amniotic fluid.