ASSOCIATION OF OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS WITH ADVERSE FETAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Objective To determine the frequency of adverse fetal outcomes in pregnant women with and without oligohydramnios.

Study Design Comparative cross-sectional study.

Duration and Place of Study This study was conducted from 12 March 2025 to 11 June 2025 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology KRL Hospital Islamabad.

Methodology A total of 200 pregnant women, between 18 and 40 years of age, with singleton gestations beyond 34 weeks of gestation, were studied. These women were divided equally into two groups, namely oligohydramnios and normal amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios was diagnosed when the amniotic fluid index was ≤5 cm. Exclusion criteria included women with congenital abnormalities, hypertension, placental abruption, and pre-existing renal disease. Neonatal outcome was assessed in terms of a five-minute Apgar score ≤5, abnormal heart rate pattern, intensive care unit admission, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Results Low Apgar scores (19% vs 4%), abnormal fetal heart rate (37% vs 14%), neonatal intensive care unit admissions (19% vs 7%), and meconium-stained liquor (49% vs 12%) were significantly higher in the oligohydramnios group compared to controls (all p<0.05). Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent trends across age, gestational age, and parity strata.

Conclusion This study demonstrated a significant association between oligohydramnios and adverse fetal outcomes, including low five-minute Apgar scores, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and meconium-stained liquor. These findings emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis, appropriate antenatal surveillance, and prompt obstetric management to improve perinatal outcomes.