Amnioinfusion for relief of recurrent severe and moderate variable decelerations in labor.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether intrapartum amnioinfusion (AI) relieves recurrent moderate and severe variable decelerations in laboring women with clear or grade I meconium-stained amniotic fluid and reduces cesarean section rate for fetal distress.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial was conducted in labor unit of Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, India, between October 2003 and September 2004. Women were randomized to receive AI (group I) and not to receive it (group II).


RESULTS
A total of 150 women (75 in each group) were included in the study. There was significant relief of variable decelerations in group I and no difference in overall cesarean section rate but significant reduction in cesarean section rate for fetal distress in group I, and significant reduction in cesarean section rate for fetal distress in nulliparous women of group I. Neonatal acidemia was also significantly reduced in the nulliparous women receiving AI. The duration of maternal postpartum hospital stay was significantly reduced in group I. There were no adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
AI was a beneficial therapeutic intervention in women patients showing fetal distress in first stage of labor, and it reduced cesarean section for fetal distress and neonatal acidemia.
Regi
Annie
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore, India. annieregi@cmcvellore.ac.in
Alexander
Nancy
N
Jose
Ruby
R
Lionel
Jessie
J
Varghese
Lilly
L
Peedicayil
Abraham
A
D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000628:therapy*; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000453:epidemiology; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D007902:Length of Stay; D008470:Meconium; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000453:epidemiology; D010298:Parity; D018901:Peroxisomal Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012008:Recurrence