Amnioinfusion during labour

Objectivs : Evaluation of amnioinfusion results during labour in case of th ick meconial amniotic fluid or in case of oligo-hydramnios associated with variable deceleration of the fetal heart response, Patients and methods : Prospective non randomized study. Amnioinfusion was applied to 47 cases of thick meconial amniotic fluid and to 18 cases of var iable fetal heart decelerations associated with oligo-hydramnios, Obstetric al and neonatal data were,Compared with a similar group without amnioinfusi on (n = 32). Results : Comparing both groups shows that amnioinfusion offers a better fe tal well-being during labour, according to Kreb's fetal heart evaluation du ring labour (8.53 +/- 1.06 vs 6.56 +/- 0.35 - p < 0.01), lows the cesarean section rate (8.5 % vs 31.2 % - p < 0.01), Amnioinfusion is also associated with a higher Apgar's score at one minute after delivery (9.4 +/- 0.8 vs 8 .7 +/- 1.7- p = 0.01) and a lower rate of thick meconium inhalation (13.7 % vs 40.7 % - p < 0,01). There was no difference for children's first days o f life. We found no serious complication following amnioinfusion. Conclusion : We confirm general agreement about amnioinfusion, according to international litterature, Amnioinfusion needs an acute care to prevent cl assicaly discribed complications. In case of thick meconial amniotic fluid or variable decelerations associated with oligo-hydramnios, amnioinfusion d uring labour offers a better fetal well-being.