The effects of amnioinfused solutions for meconium-stained amniotic fluid on neonatal plasma electrolyte concentrations and pH.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if amnioinfused normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution in cases of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is associated with significant changes on neonatal plasma electrolyte concentrations or pH.


METHODS
This was a prospective randomized study using normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution for amnioinfusion in women with thick meconium in the amniotic fluid. The control group was composed of women with clear amniotic fluid not receiving amnioinfusion. Cord blood arterial sampling was analyzed for sodium, potassium, and chloride plasma concentrations and pH. The sample sizes allowed for an alpha of 0.05 and power of 0.80.


RESULTS
We evaluated 61 cases (20 normal saline solution, 20 lactated Ringer's solution, and 21 control). No significant differences in cord blood arterial plasma concentrations of sodium (p=0.43), potassium (p=0.21), chloride (p=0.68), and pH (p=0.11) were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution for amnioinfusion in meconium-stained amniotic fluid is not associated with changes on neonatal plasma electrolyte concentrations or pH.
Gonzalez
Jose L
JL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Mooney
Susan
S
Gardner
Michael O
MO
Martin
Dibe
D
Curet
Luis B
LB
D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008471:Meconium Aspiration Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004573:Electrolytes; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D012965:Sodium Chloride