Oligohydramnios without premature rupture of membranes: perinatal outcomes

Purpose: to evaluate perinatal outcomes in cases of oligohydramnios without premature rupture of membranes. Methods: a total of 51 consecutive cases of oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index, AFI < 5 cm) born between March 1998 and September 2001 were studied retrospectively. Data were compared to 61 cases with intermediate and normal volume of amniotic fluid AFI >5). Maternal and neonatal variables, as well as fetal mortality, early neonatal, and perinatal mortality rates were analyzed. For statistical analysis the chi(2) test with Yates correction and Student's t test were used with level of signicance set at 5%. Results: there were no significant differences between groups when the presence of gestational hypertensive syndromes, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, 1- and 5-minute Apgar score, need of neonatal intensive center unit, and preterm birth were analyzed. Oligohydramnios was associated with the way of delivery (p<0.0002; RR=0.3), fetal distress (p<0.0004; RR=2.2) and fetal malformations (p<0.01; RR=5.4). Fetal malformation rates were 17.6 and 3.3% in oligohydramnios and normal groups, respectively. Fetal mortality (2.0 vs 1.6%), early neonatal (5.9 vs 1.6%) and perinatal mortality (7.8 vs 3.3%) rates in both groups did not show statistical significance. Conclusion: Oligohydramnios was related to increased risk factor for cesarean section, fetal distress and fetal malformations.