Predictability of intrapartum and neonatal outcomes with the amniotic fluid volume distribution: a reassessment using the amniotic fluid index, single deepest pocket, and a dye-determined amniotic fluid volume.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to establish whether ultrasound-estimated or dye-determined amniotic fluid distribution (upper compared with lower quadrant) is predictive of perinatal outcome.


METHODS
Amniotic fluid distribution as measured by the amniotic fluid index, single deepest pocket, and dye-determined volumes was ascertained and correlated with intrapartum and neonatal outcomes.


RESULTS
Between January 1997 and January 2001, 135 women (70 upper-greater and 65 lower-greater) participated in this prospective observational study. The sum of the amniotic fluid index (P =.309), single deepest pocket (P =.168), and dye-determined amniotic fluid volume (P =.368) for the upper-greater compared with the lower-greater groups were similar. Decelerations in labor (P =.597), late decelerations (P =.999), cesarean deliveries for fetal distress (P =.413), and umbilical cord pH < 7.2 were similar (P =.647)


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-estimated and dye-determined amniotic fluid volumes are similar between upper-greater and lower-greater groups, and intrapartum/neonatal outcomes are not affected by the amniotic fluid distribution.
Magann
Everett F
EF
Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
Chauhan
Suneet P
SP
Doherty
Dorota A
DA
Barrilleaux
P Scott
PS
Martin
James N
JN
Morrison
John C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D001034:Apgar Score; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000592:standards*
D003287:Contrast Media