Meconium-stained amniotic fluid in labor: a randomized trial of prophylactic amniofusion

Objectives: To investigate the effect of amnioinfusion in women with meconi um-stained amniotic fluid on the rate of cesarian sections and on neonatal morbidity, Study design: A randomized controlled trial. A total of 206 wome n with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were assigned to receive amnioinfusi on via two-way catheter or no amnioinfusion (control group). The catheter w as inserted and other treatment was the same in both groups. Results: Amnio infusion decreased the rate of cesarian sections for fetal distress (RR 0.2 3, 95% CI 0.07-0.79) and increased mean pH at birth (7.24 +/- 0.1 versus 7. 21 +/- 0.1, P < 0.05). It also decreased the frequency of variable fetal he art rate decelerations (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.92), and of meconium below t he vocal cords in neonates (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.69). Conclusions: Amnioi nfusion improves the neonatal outcome and reduces the frequency of cesarian sections. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.