Introduction:
Significant oligohydramnios is not a very common antenatal problem;
however, the consequence of this condition can be very serious.
Oligohydramnios can cause severe fetal problems such as cord
compression, cord prolapse and limb deformity. Oligohydramnios is also
associated with adverse perinatal outcomes which include intrauterine
growth restriction, fetal distress, and low apgor
score1,2,3. However, the most serious complication is
fetal pulmonary hypoplasia leading to fetal and neonatal death. Fetal
pulmonary hypoplasia which results from oligohydramnios in early
gestation is well documented in the literature4,
5,6,7,8,9. However, the effect of oligohydramnios during the second and
third trimesters on fetal lung maturity is
debatable10.. Amniotic fluid is also
important for fetal movement and development of the musculoskeletal
system, it protects the growing fetus from external forces and is
critical for fetal lung development.
Amnioinfusion entails installation of normal saline or ringer lactate to
restore the normal value of amniotic fluid. The purpose of this
procedure is to improve visualization and diagnosis. The therapeutic
benefit of this procedure is very debatable. However, it has been proven
that intrapartum amnioinfusion to relieve fetal distress in labor due to
cord compression is beneficial11. The National
Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends conservative
treatment for pregnant women with oligohydramnios12.
The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of amnioinfusion when
used in this group of patients with oligohydramnios who present in the
second and third trimesters.