Effect of intrapartum amnioinfusion on thick meconium stained amniotic fluid

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of amnioinfusion (AI) in cases of thick meconium stained liquor:1) In reducing the perinatal morbidity associated with thick meconium.2) Decreasing operative intervention for fetal distress. Methods: The study was carried out in the department of OBG at K.V.G Medical College and Hospital, Sullia over two years from Aug 2011 to July 2013. A total of 150 patients were studied, out of which 100 were given amnioinfusion and 50 were not given amnioinfusion. Results: The rate of Caesarean section for fetal distress was 49% in the amnioinfusion group and 64% in the non infusion group. Although the incidence of caesarean section was high in both the study and control groups, the difference in between the two groups was statistically significant. The fetal outcome was found to be better in the amnioinfusion group. The perinatal outcome was recorded by Apgar score(14 vs 30% at 1 min, 2 vs 6% at 5 min), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (13 vs 30%), need for ventilatory support (0 vs 6%), incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (10 vs 26%) and perinatal deaths (0 vs 6%). There were no maternal complications with amnioinfusion. Conclusion: The study revealed that amnioinfusion does reduce the perinatal morbidity associated with thick meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Although the incidence of caesarean section (CS) was high in both the study and control groups, there was a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of operative intervention for fetal distress (FD) in the amnioinfusion group.