Fetal outcome with oligohydramnios in the second trimester

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Diagnostic Ultrasound

Background:

• Oligohydramnios, a condition of low amniotic fluid, can be detected in the second trimester of pregnancy.
• The presence of oligohydramnios is often associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the range of outcomes in pregnancies diagnosed with second-trimester oligohydramnios.
• To determine the association between second-trimester oligohydramnios and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 34 pregnancies diagnosed with second-trimester oligohydramnios via ultrasonography.
• Categorization of outcomes including fetal anomalies, stillbirths, perinatal morbidity, and live-born infants.

Main Results:

• Nine pregnancies (26.5%) had associated fetal anomalies, including Potter syndrome and multiple anomalies.
• Stillbirths occurred in 10 cases (29.4%), with one demise due to abruptio placentae.
• Eight cases (23.5%) experienced perinatal morbidity, while six (17.6%) resulted in live-born term infants.

Conclusions:

• Second-trimester oligohydramnios is linked to a significant risk of fetal anomalies and stillbirth.
• Despite the risks, oligohydramnios in the second trimester does not invariably result in a poor perinatal outcome.