Oligohydramnios is a condition in pregnancy characterized by a deficiency of amniotic fluid. It is the opposite of polyhydramnios.

[edit] Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by ultrasound measurement of the amniotic fluid index (AFI). Several different methods exist for calculating AFI, that produce different index numbers below which oligohydramnios is said to be present.

[edit] Causes

It is typically caused by fetal urinary tract abnormalities such as bilateral renal agenesis ( Potter's syndrome ), fetal polycystic kidneys, or genitourinary obstruction. Uteroplacental insufficiency is another common cause. Most of these abnormalities can also be detected by obstetric ultrasound. It may also occur without a determinable cause (idiopathic).

[edit] Complications

Complications may include cord compression, musculoskeletal abnormalities such as facial distortion and clubfoot, pulmonary hypoplasia and intrauterine growth restriction. Amnion nodosum is frequently also present (nodules on the fetal surface of the amnion).^[1]

The use of oligohydramnios as a predictor of gestational complications is controversial.^[2][3]

[edit] Treatment

A Cochrane Review concluded that simple maternal hydration appears to increase amniotic fluid volume and may be beneficial in the management of oligohydramnios and prevention of oligohydramnios during labour or prior to external cephalic version.^[4]

In severe cases oligohydramnios may be treated with amnioinfusion during labor to prevent cord compression.

[edit] See also

• Fetal intervention

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• 00435 at CHORUS

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