Measurement of the amniotic fluid index with and without color Doppler.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect, if any, of color Doppler on the measurement of the amniotic fluid index in term pregnancies. It is hypothesized that color Doppler may enhance the detection of oligohydramnios.


METHODS
The amniotic fluid index was performed with and without color Doppler on pregnancies greater than or equal to 36 weeks gestational age. Differences in the mean amniotic fluid index measurements were assessed. The incidence of oligohydramnios was examined using both techniques. Differences in continuous variables were assessed with the paired t test, differences in categorical variables were assessed using the Fisher Exact Test.


RESULTS
There were 155 pregnancies examined, the amniotic fluid index was significantly decreased when color Doppler was added to the standard technique. (P < .0001) The incidence of oligohydramnios was higher with the application of color Doppler to the standard amniotic fluid index. (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Color Doppler results in a significantly lower amniotic fluid volume measurement and may enhance the detection of oligohydramnios.
Bianco
A
A
New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York, USA.
Rosen
T
T
Kuczynski
E
E
Tetrokalashvili
M
M
Lockwood
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal