Correlation of perinatal outcomes with amniotic fluid assessment techniques in high-risk pregnancies in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Oligohydramnios is a predictor of fetal compromise and a useful tool in pregnancy management. It has been assessed using various techniques, including two-diameter pocket (2-DP) and amniotic fluid index (AFI). Objectives: To determine which of these two techniques best diagnose oligohydramnios and predicts adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara in southern region of Nigeria over eight months period. One hundred high-risk pregnant women were recruited and ultra- sound determination of amniotic fluid was performed using AFI and 2-DP. The women were followed up till delivery to determine adverse perinatal outcomes. Results: The indices of validity of AFI and the 2-DP were calculated and compared. The 2-DP had a higher sensitivity than AFI for adverse outcomes in high-risk pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios. Conclusion: The 2-DP technique should preferably be used for the assessment of oligohydramnios in high-risk pregnancies. Keywords: Two-diameter pocket; amniotic fluid index; oligohydramnios; high-risk pregnancies; adverse perinatal outcomes.