Can amniotic fluid distribution predict fetal outcome?

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine whether the distribution pattern of amniotic fluid (AF) within the uterine cavity is related to perinatal outcome.

STUDY

DESIGN

One-hundred women in labor with intact membranes underwent a real time ultrasound examination to measure the AF index. Patients were divided into two groups based on liquor distribution. Those with > 50% liquor distributed in upper quadrants formed the 'upper greater' group whereas the rest of the patients constituted the 'lower greater' group. Pregnancy outcome was assessed with respect to incidence of fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities, operative delivery, meconium stained liquor, Apgar score < 7 at 1 and 5 min and neonatal intensive care unit admissions.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were evaluated. The 'upper greater' group had a higher incidence of cesarean for non-reassuring FHR (40.74% vs. 9.6%, P < 0.001), persistent variable deceleration (14.8% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) and bradycardia (25.9% vs. 4.1%, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the Apgar score < 7 at 1 min and neonatal intensive care unit admissions in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Distribution of less liquor in the lower quadrants of the uterus predisposed to abnormalities in FHR and hence, cesarean section. The distribution pattern did not have a predictive value for the perinatal outcome.