PERINATAL OUTCOME IN LOW AMMNIOTIC FLUID INDEX

Introduction: In high risk pregnancies, there is a dire need to assess amniotic fluidvolume. If values of amniotic fluid volume fall within normal limits, it reassures us regarding wellbeing of fetus. The chronically stressed fetus is likely to have low amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluidindex is a reliable fetal surveillance test and in some obstetrical units highly reliable parameter.Decreased amniotic fluid index has been considered as an indicator of poor neonataloutcome. AFI may be used to predict the occurrence of thick meconium stained liquor andneed for intervention for fetal distress in post date pregnancies. Study Design: DescriptiveStudy. Settings: Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Fatima Memorial Hospital,Lahore affiliated with Fatima College of Medicine & dentistry Lahore. Duration: 6 month from7/2/2007 to 7/8/2007. Subjects and Methods: All pregnant women, meeting the inclusioncriteria admitted in labour room either through emergency or OPD were selected. The AFIwas calculated ultrasonically and these patients were followed till the time of delivery and theAPGAR scores of newborn were compared with AFI. Results: During the study period AFIwas measured in 60 patients. Among these patients, 32 patients had AFI between 3-4 cm andbabies were meconium stained, 23 patients had AFI of 5-6 cm and babies had normal APGARat the time of delivery. AFI was < 2 cm in 5 patients and babies required resuscitation andadmitted in nursery. Conclusion: The AFI is a reliable predictor of neonatal outcome.