title: Amniotic fluid volume assessment in singleton and twin pregnancies.
abstract: The best method of ultrasonic mensuration to identify abnormal AFV reliably in singletons and the individual sacs of diamniotic twins remains elusive. With respect to twins, localization of the dividing membrane seems to be necessary for AFV assessments of each amniotic cavity. The relationship of ultrasonic estimates, actual AFV, and pregnancy outcome remains undetermined. In the authors' opinion, the subjective assessment in twin gestation may be as accurate as semiquantitative ultrasonic estimates of AFV, similar to the situation in singleton pregnancies. The authors propose that further prospective research address the following questions: (1) What is the appropriate threshold for intervention when AFI decreases to lower ranges? (2) What other factors (e.g., cervical examination, fetal heart rate patterns, underlying obstetric conditions, fetal growth pattern) are important when the AFI falls to low values in making clinical decisions?
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Magann
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012016:Reference Values; D014427:Twins; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*