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Idiopathic polyhydramnios: association with fetal macrosomia
R Sohaey1, D A Nyberg, G K Sickler
1Center for Perinatal Diseases, Swedish Hospital Medical Center, Seattle, Wash.
Radiology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Idiopathic polyhydramnios, a condition of excess amniotic fluid, is linked to fetal macrosomia (large-for-gestational-age fetuses) in mothers without diabetes. This association is significant and independent of maternal health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Perinatology
Background:
- Idiopathic polyhydramnios is defined as excessive amniotic fluid without a clear identifiable cause.
- Maternal diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for fetal macrosomia.
- The relationship between idiopathic polyhydramnios and fetal growth in the absence of maternal diabetes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between idiopathic polyhydramnios and fetal macrosomia.
- To determine if this association persists in pregnancies without maternal diabetes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective ultrasound (US) study was conducted on 99 fetuses with idiopathic polyhydramnios from nondiabetic women.
- Birth weights were compared to a postnatal control group.
- Estimated fetal weights (EFW) derived from US were compared to a prenatal control group.
Main Results:
- Fetuses with idiopathic polyhydramnios had a significantly higher mean birth weight (3,771 g) compared to controls (3,476 g).
- A higher incidence of birth weights at or above the 90th percentile was observed in the idiopathic polyhydramnios group (28.2%) versus controls (9.3%).
- Mean EFW percentile was significantly greater in the idiopathic polyhydramnios group (79.3) than in the prenatal control group (51.5).
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic polyhydramnios is significantly associated with fetal macrosomia.
- This association is independent of maternal diabetes mellitus.
- The findings suggest that idiopathic polyhydramnios may be an indicator of fetal overgrowth.