Clinical significance of amniotic fluid glucose concentration in polyhydramnios

To evaluate whether amniotic fluid glucose concentration can predict poor neonatal outcome in cases with polyhydramnios as an overall assessment.

In this retrospective study, we have reviewed 42 consecutive pregnant women with singleton gestations complicated with polyhydramnios who gave birth at one tertiary care center between January 2003 and September 2010. Perinatal clinical findings were reviewed, and the neonatal outcome, such as livebirth or stillbirth and early neonatal death, was compared. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Thirteen of 42 neonates had a poor outcome, including stillbirth or early neonatal death. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that amniotic fluid glucose (p = 0.042) was significant factor influencing poor neonatal prognosis [odds ratio 0.66; 95% confidence interval 0.44-0.98]. Receiver operating characteristics curve and sensitivity and specificity curve showed that the optimal cut-off value of amniotic fluid glucose concentration for predicting poor neonatal outcome was 17 mg/dl.

Amniotic glucose concentration less than 17 mg/dl and the presence of congenital heart anomaly were better predictors for a poor postnatal outcome in cases with polyhydramnios.