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Standards for the quantification of serial changes in the amniotic fluid index
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Summary
This study introduces conditional centiles for the amniotic fluid index (AFI) in low-risk pregnancies. These centiles help evaluate expected AFI changes over time during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
Background:
- Amniotic fluid volume is crucial for fetal well-being.
- Previous studies used cross-sectional data to describe amniotic fluid index (AFI) trends.
- A need exists for individualized, longitudinal assessment of AFI during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop conditional centiles for the amniotic fluid index (AFI) using longitudinal ultrasound data.
- To enable the prediction of expected AFI ranges at later gestational ages based on current measurements.
- To provide a tool for quantifying time-dependent changes in AFI.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of serial ultrasound examinations in 274 low-risk pregnancies.
- Measurement of amniotic fluid index (AFI) at scheduled intervals.
- Construction of conditional centiles for AFI based on gestational age.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the expected gradual decline in AFI from mid-trimester to term.
- Demonstrated the utility of conditional centiles for extrapolating AFI values to later gestational ages.
- Presented examples of conditional centiles with 4-week measurement intervals.
Conclusions:
- Conditional centiles offer a method for evaluating and quantifying time-dependent changes in AFI.
- This approach allows for a more precise assessment of fetal amniotic fluid status throughout pregnancy.
- The developed centiles can aid in the monitoring of low-risk pregnancies.