Oligohydramnios: A potential marker for serious obstetric complications

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to look into the frequency of oligohydramnios and pregnancy outcome in these cases. Analysis of outcome of prospective cases of pregnancy beyond 28 weeks with oligohydramnios over 2 years and cases admitted over the previous 5 years was done. The incidence of oligohydramnios over 7 years was 4.45%, 4.9% in retrospective and 4% in prospective cases: 38% retrospective and 31.5% of prospective cases were complicated by intrapartum meconium. Abruptio placenta had occurred in 9.8% retrospective and 8.3% prospective cases. Labour was induced in 18.2% of retrospective cases and 13.9% prospective cases. The caesarean section rate (CSR) with spontaneous labour was 42.4% in the retrospective and 50.4% in the prospective cases and with induced labour 38.5% in the retrospective, 29.3% in the prospective cases. Perinatal mortality rate (PMR) in cases of oligohydramnios was 87.7 and 4.15% babies had congenital anomalies. Overall labour induction was needed more often, and abruptio placenta, CSR, PMR and congenital anomalies were high in oligohydramnios. More studies about the causes and effects of oligohydramnios and preventive modalities are needed.

Perinatal outcome associated with oligohydramnios in third trimester

“…Studies done by Cosey et al, Chauhan, Maganan et al there were no significant relations of age and parity with Oligohydramnios. 6,9,13 In this study only 48 patients had meconium staining of amniotic fluid which was 30.76%. There was a significant relation between the meconium staining of amniotic fluid and Oligohydramnios.…”

A study of maternal and fetal outcome in third trimester diagnose case of oligohydramnios

“…Chhabra S et al reported very high (87.7%) perinatal mortality in their study. 14 Wolff F et al found that the perinatal mortality in their study was 7.2%. 15 Apel SL et al found that the perinatal mortality was 9.9%.…”

Management of severe oligohydramnios with antepartum transabdominal amnioinfusion

“…This prevalence is at least double that reported in population studies 47,95 . It is of paramount importance that oligohydramnios was significantly associated with IUGR: 78.6%…”

“…Oligohydramnios is believed to complicate 4-4.9% of pregnancies 47 . Oligohydramnios has six possible major causes: 1) a severe fetal abnormality, 2) preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM), 3) an isolated/idiopathic form, 4) an impaired placental function leading to insufficiency, 5) a complication of multiple pregnancies, and 6) iatrogenic 48 .…”