Polyhydramnios: Causes, Diagnosis and Therapy
A Hamza1, D Herr1, E F Solomayer2
1Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar.
Insights
Polyhydramnios, an excess of amniotic fluid, increases risks for mother and baby. Treatments like amnioreduction and NSAIDs are explored, though NSAID use is not approved in Germany.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Polyhydramnios, a pathological increase in amniotic fluid, is linked to significant perinatal morbidity and mortality.
- Common causes include gestational diabetes, fetal anomalies affecting swallowing, and infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the definition, causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and management of polyhydramnios.
- To discuss current and experimental prenatal treatment options.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis is primarily achieved through ultrasound.
- Prognosis is determined by the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Main Results:
- Symptoms include maternal dyspnea, preterm labor, and abnormal fetal presentation.
- Polyhydramnios is often associated with fetal macrosomia due to its link with gestational diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal treatments include amnioreduction and NSAIDs, though NSAID use for this indication is not approved in Germany.
- Experimental therapies targeting fetal diuresis are under consideration.
Abstract:
Polyhydramnios is defined as a pathological increase of amniotic fluid volume in pregnancy and is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Common causes of polyhydramnios include gestational diabetes, fetal anomalies with disturbed fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid, fetal infections and other, rarer causes. The diagnosis is obtained by ultrasound. The prognosis of polyhydramnios depends on its cause and severity. Typical symptoms of polyhydramnios include maternal dyspnea, preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), abnormal fetal presentation, cord prolapse and postpartum hemorrhage. Due to its common etiology with gestational diabetes, polyhydramnios is often associated with fetal macrosomia. To prevent the above complications, there are two methods of prenatal treatment: amnioreduction and pharmacological treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, prenatal administration of NSAIDs to reduce amniotic fluid volumes has not been approved in Germany. In addition to conventional management, experimental therapies which would alter fetal diuresis are being considered.
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Teratogenicity
Diabetes Insipidus I: Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Diabetes Insipidus II: Pathophysiology
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction


