The ultrasound estimation of amniotic fluid volume in diamniotic twin pregnancies and prediction of peripartum outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine ultrasonic estimations of amniotic fluid in diamniotic twins across gestation using the single deepest pocket (SDP) technique and correlate volumes to intrapartum and neonatal outcomes.


METHODS
Prospective observational study using diamniotic dichorionic and diamniotic monochorionic pregnancies. Intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were evaluated.


RESULTS
Between April 2004 and April 2006, 299 women were recruited. There was no significant relationship between SDP and gestational age. Statistically significant differences by SDP groups (for low, normal, and high volumes) include preterm delivery (P = .043; 56, 62, and 86%), abnormal labor tracing (P = .013; 5, 8, and 27%), fetal labor intolerance (P = .026; 6, 9, and 27%), Apgar scores at 5 minutes (P = .028; 17, 10, and 27%) and any neonatal complications (P = .002; 28, 21, and 55%).


CONCLUSIONS
The SDP is constant between 17 and 37 weeks. Fetal labor intolerance and adverse neonatal outcomes are greater in a twin with hydramnios.
Magann
Everett F
EF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, USA.
Doherty
Dorota A
DA
Ennen
Christopher S
CS
Chauhan
Suneet P
SP
Shields
Donna
D
Gjesdal
Shane M
SM
Morrison
John C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001034:Apgar Score; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D005865:Gestational Age; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000503:physiopathology; D006831:Polyhydramnios / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000502:physiology*; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000503:physiopathology; D014427:Twins; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal