Publication:

Maternal and fetal outcome in oligohydramnios after 34 weeks of gestation

Background Oligohydramnios is one of the major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is a clinical condition characterized by Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) ≤5 cm by sonographic assessment. The aim of present study is to know the maternal and fetal outcome in oligohydramnios after 34 weeks of gestation compared with women who had normal volume of amniotic fluid.

Methods Study was done for the period of 21 months from November 2014-July 2016 at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital and Research Centre Bellur. 50 antenatal cases with > 34 weeks of gestation with AFI ≤5 cm by ultrasonographic estimation were included as study group and 50 women with normal AFI were included as control group. Maternal and fetal outcome of the women with oligohydramnios were analyzed and compared with control group.

Results Results were analyzed statistically using parameters like mean, SD, Chi Sq test, P value. Amniotic fluid was clear in 32% in study and 78% in control group, thin meconium stained in 30% in study group and 14%in control group and was thick meconium stained in 38% in study group and 8% in control group (Chi square =22.31, p<0.0001). Induction of labour was done in 54% in study group and 20% in control group. Cesarean delivery was done in 58% in study group women and 28% in control group women. Regarding the birth weight of babies 62% were < 2.5 kg in study group and 18% in control group with p<0.001. 10% of babies in study group required NICU admission and perinatal mortality was 2%.

Conclusions Due to increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and increased rate of LSCS, timely decision during labour is important to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality.