Induction of labor and perinatal outcome: the impact of the amniotic fluid index.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to determine the impact of the amniotic fluid index on the perinatal outcome of patients admitted for induction of labor at term.


METHODS
Patients (n=180) included in the study were those admitted for induction of labor at 37-42 weeks' gestation, with unfavorable cervix and intact membranes. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) was determined in all patients using the four-quadrant technique within 24 h of the induction of labor. Patients were divided into two groups based on their AFI: the oligohydramnios group with AFI < or = 5 cm (n = 66) and a normal group with AFI > 5 cm (n = 114). The perinatal outcomes of the two groups were compared.


RESULTS
The two groups were similar with regard to maternal age, gestational age, and birth weight. Meconium staining of the amniotic fluid was significantly higher in the group with AFI < or = 5 cm (p = 0.040). The number of cesarean deliveries due to fetal distress was significantly higher even after adjusting for other confounding factors in the group with AFI < or = 5 cm (adjusted OR 6.52 [95% CI 1.82, 23.2]; p < or = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to Apgar scores or neonatal admission.


CONCLUSIONS
Induction of labor at term in patients with oligohydramnios is associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery due to fetal distress.
Alchalabi
Haifa A
HA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 2954, Irbid 21110, Jordan.
Obeidat
Basil R
BR
Jallad
Mohammed F
MF
Khader
Yousef S
YS
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000502:physiology*; D001034:Apgar Score; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000503:physiopathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies