Publication:

Effect of oral L- arginine versus intravenous hydration on maternal and fetal outcome in idiopathic oligohydramnios

Background Adequate amount of amniotic fluid was required for normal growth of fetus. Oligohydramnios or reduced amount of amniotic fluid is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcome due to increase in induced labour and operative deliveries. Idiopathic oligohydramnios is a condition in which no other risk factors are associated with pregnancy. This study was done to compare the effect of L-arginine and IV hydration on improvement of amniotic fluid index and fetal growth.

Methods Total 50 patients were included in the study according to inclusion criteria and divided equally into two groups randomly. IV hydration was given to one group and other group received L- arginine sachet orally. The effect on AFI and fetal outcome was compared.

Result The result was compared with respect to age, gravidity, gestational age and AFI at the time of study and after giving treatment. Maternal and fetal outcome was compared which shows that L-arginine was more effective in increasing the AFI and thereby leading to favorable results in the form of increase in gestational age at time of delivery and fetal weight.

Conclusion This study shows that both IV hydration and L-arginine are useful in treatment of oligohydramnios. But L-arginine appears more advantageous over IV hydration in improving pregnancy outcome and reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality.