Transcervical intrapartum amnioinfusion: a simple and effective technique.
OBJECTIVE
To test a simple method of intrapartum amnioinfusion to replace amniotic fluid during labor in cases of prolonged labor and severe variable fetal heart rate decelerations or thick meconium.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective study of intrapartum amnioinfusion in sixteen consecutive patients. A simple transcervically placed Foley bladder catheter was used for intrauterine infusion of saline solution, while monitoring was performed by external cardiotocography.


RESULTS
In twelve patients, catheter placement was easily performed; the remaining four required stabilization by a mandrel for insertion. Amnioinfusion was effective in ten out of thirteen patients for relief of fetal heart rate anomalies. No complications were observed; all had good neonatal outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
In our small, uncontrolled study, this amnioinfusion method proved to be a simple, inexpensive, effective and safe technique for the relief of severe heart rate anomalies in prolonged labor.
Surbek
D V
DV
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Basel Switzerland. surbek@ubaclu.unibas.ch
Hösli
I M
IM
Pavic
N
N
Almendral
A
A
Holzgreve
W
W
D000650:Amnion; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D008470:Meconium; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012996:Solutions
D012996:Solutions; D012965:Sodium Chloride