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Amniotic fluid index for screening late pregnancies
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana.
East African Medical Journal
|April 6, 2000
Summary
Amniotic fluid index (AFI) less than 5 is a reliable screening tool for identifying late pregnancies at risk of fetal distress. This method aids in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes, improving clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- The amniotic fluid index (AFI) is a common ultrasound measurement used in prenatal care.
- Screening for adverse perinatal outcomes in late pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the amniotic fluid index (AFI) as a screening tool for adverse perinatal outcomes in first-time clinic presenters in late pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, involving 1111 consecutive pregnancies beyond 36 weeks.
- Patients were categorized based on AFI (< 5 vs. >= 5).
- Outcomes assessed included induction rates, Cesarean sections, and incidence of fetal distress.
Main Results:
- AFI < 5 was associated with significantly higher relative risks for induction (6.08), Cesarean section (3.38), and fetal distress (8.48).
- Using AFI < 5 to predict fetal distress yielded a sensitivity of 79.6% and a specificity of 89.5%.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that an amniotic fluid index (AFI) below 5 is a valuable screening method for detecting fetal distress in late pregnancies.
- This screening can help identify pregnancies at risk for adverse outcomes.