The relationship between the ultrasonographic diagnosis of innocent amniotic band development and pregnancy outcomes

To determine the importance of amniotic bands diagnosed ultrasonographically and their relationship to pregnancy outcome.

We reviewed retrospectively the ultrasonographic records at State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn and Kings County Hospital Center, identifying 25 cases of amniotic band diagnosed during 1986-1990. Cases were compared with 50 controls who had ultrasound evaluation at the same gestational age. Outcomes studied included fetal anomalies, obstetric factors or complications, pregnancy outcome, and maternal factors that may have predisposed to the formation of bands.

All cases had unrestricted fetal movement on the index sonogram. No fetal abnormalities were observed in either the case or control series. The groups were not significantly different in terms of maternal risk factors, but significant differences were found for delivery at less than 37 weeks and birth weight less than 2500 g.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of an amniotic band in connection with sonographic findings of normal fetal anatomy may be a risk factor for preterm delivery and low birth weight. No association between amniotic band development and fetal anomalies was observed.