EVALUATION OF AMNIOTIC FLUID INDEX AND ITS PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER.

Abstract

Background: Amniotic fluid assessment is an integral part of the antenatal evaluation of pregnancies at risk for an adverse pregnancy outcome especially in the third trimester. Methods: This was prospective observational study conducted at tertiary teaching institute from January 2018 to December 2020.Total 350 patients were included in the study. On the basis of amniotic fluid index (AFI),patients were categorized in 3 groups, Normal AFI (6-24 cm), oligohydramnios (AFI <5cm) and polyhydramnios (AFI > = 25 cm). Results were analysed in the form of incidence, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome which includes preterm, low birth weight,still births,NICU admissions and neonatal deaths in all the 3 groups Results: Out of 350 patients, there was 270 cases of normal AFI, 57 cases of oligohydramnios and 23 cases of polyhydramnios.PIH was the most common etiological factor found in oligohydramnios (33.3%) and in polyhydramnios idiopathic cause (56.5%) was most common.Incidence of NICU admission was 32.4% in oligohydramnios and 55.5% in polyhydramnios group in comparison to 12.4% in normal AFI group. Conclusions: Amniotic fluid index is an important part of antepartum fetal surveillance. Abnormalities of AFI are associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality and maternal morbidity.