Antepartum transabdominal amnioinfusion

Abstract

Objective: To determine the usefulness of antepartum transabdominal amnioinfusion (APTA) in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality due to oligohydramnios. Methods: In this case–control study of 100 pregnant women with oligohydramnios, 50 received APTA and 50 were treated conservatively. These controls were matched for age, parity, and pregnancy duration with the case patients. Results: There was a mean 4.02-cm increase in amniotic fluid index (AFI) after amnioinfusion. Only 18% of case patients required cesarean sections vs. 46% of controls. The perinatal mortality rate was 18% among controls and 4% among case patients, and the difference was significant. Conclusion: Antepartum amnioinfusion is a useful procedure to reduce complications resulting from decreased intra-amniotic volume. It is especially useful in preterm pregnancies, where the procedure allows for a better perinatal outcome by prolonging the duration of pregnancy.