Isolated oligohydramnios is not an indicator for adverse perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of isolated oligohydramnios on Perinatal outcomes. METHODS A prospective Cohort Study was conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Pregnant women with isolated oligohydramnios were recruited for the study after obtaining informed consent. The mode of delivery and perinatal outcome were compared with women having normal amniotic fluid. RESULTS Between 1st May 2005 and 30th December 2005 a total of 421 women were included in this study. Of these 421 women, 71 were exposed and 350 were unexposed. When compared to the unexposed group women with oligohydramnios had significantly lower birth weight babies and were delivered at a significantly earlier gestational age. However there was no statistical difference in the APGAR scores at birth and NICU admissions between the two groups. The number of inductions and caesareans done for foetal reasons were significantly higher in the exposed group. CONCLUSION Isolated oligohydramnios is not associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. However, it increases the risk for labour induction and Caesarean section.