Ultrasound estimation of amniotic fluid and perinatal outcome in normotensive and pre-eclamptics at term in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Pre-eclampsia is a subtype of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy which is described as a disorder of widespread vascular endothelial malfunction and vasospasm that manifest clinically after 20 weeks gestation and can present as late as 4-6 weeks postpartum. However, the focus in modern obstetric care is on reduction of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality through preventive strategies. The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of ultrasound scan measurement of the amniotic fluid indices in determining perinatal outcome in normotensive and pre-eclamptic paturients at term. This was an observational study involving 120 consenting pre-eclamptics and 120 normotensive women. An analysis of the measures of perinatal outcome in this study revealed a statistical significant difference when meconium stained liquor, route of delivery, fetal outcome and birth weight in pre-eclamptic women were compared with those of normotensive women. Ultrasound estimation of amniotic fluid in pre-eclamptic and normotensive paturients has been found to be useful in the management of these patients with the aim of improving perinatal outcome. Hence, there may be a need to include this in the protocol of management; however, randomized control trials will be needed to further justify the finding of this recommendation.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2015) 4(3), 1-8Keywords: Pregnancy induced hypertension, perinatal outcome, blood pressure, Nigeria