Effect of induced oligohydramnios on fetal lung development.

To investigate the impact of oligohydramnios on fetal growth, development, and lung function, amniotic fluid was shunted from alternate gestational sacs into the maternal peritoneal cavity at 23 days' gestation in the fetal rabbit. Uninstrumented fetuses served as controls. Oligohydramnios was confirmed at the time of planned cesarean delivery on either day 26 or 28. Fetuses subjected to prolonged oligohydramnios had significantly decreased body weight at 26 (p = 0.002) and 28 days (p = 0.007). Similarly, lung weight was decreased at 26 (p = 0.02) and 28 days (p = 0.005). There was a trend toward decreased maximum lung volume for instrumented fetuses at 28 days (p = 0.07). Deflation limbs of the pressure-volume curves revealed significantly increased air trapping for instrumented fetuses at 28 days. These studies suggest not only a detrimental effect of oligohydramnios on fetal body and lung weight but also a beneficial effect of premature rupture of membranes on fetal lung function. Analysis of phospholipid and histologic changes is currently under way.