PERSISTENCE OF POLYHYDRAMNIOS DURING PREGNANCY - ITS SIGNIFICANCE ANDCORRELATION WITH MATERNAL AND FETAL COMPLICATIONS

One hundred and thirteen cases of polyhydramnios diagnosed by repeated ultrasonic examinations in singleton pregnancies were divided into tw o groups according to the trend of change in the amniotic fluid volume between the first and the second ultrasonic examination. Group A pati ents (65 cases) showed an increase or no change in amniotic fluid volu me, and in group B (48 cases) a reduction in amniotic fluid volume to mild polyhydramnios or to normal amniotic fluid volume was observed. A significantly increased rate (p < 0.05) of maternal complications suc h as diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, urinary tract infections, premature rupture of membranes and premature delivery was observed in group A. More abdominal deliveries and an increased rate o f fetal anomalies, fetal abnormal presentations, intrauterine fetal de ath and neonatal death also occurred in this group. Group B patients, most of whom were idiopathic, showed a very favorable outcome.