Primary Article

Low Amniotic Fluid Volume is Poorly Identified in Singleton and Twin Pregnancies Using the 2 x 2 cm Pocket Technique of the Biophysical Profile

Authors: EVERETT F. MAGANN MD, BOBBY G. NEVILS MD, SUNEET P. CHAUHAN MD, NEIL S. WHITWORTH PhD, JACK H. KLAUSEN MD, JOHN C. MORRISON MD

Abstract

AbstractBackground.This study was done to determine the accuracy of the 2 x 2 cm pocket identifying low amniotic fluid (AF) volume in singleton and twin pregnancies.Methods.The AF volume was evaluated by ultrasonography for the presence of a 2 x 2 cm pocket before amniocentesis. The actual AF volume was then determine by a diazo-dye reaction with subsequent specrophotometric analysis using paraminohippurate.Results.The AF volume was low in 21 of the 79 singleton pregnancies and normal in 47; hydramnios was present in 11. Among amniotic sacs of the 60 twin pairs, oligohydramnios was found in 33 amniotic sacs. normal AF volume in 80 sacs, and high volume in 7. An AF pocket smaller than 2 x 2 cm was identified in only 3 of the 79 singleton pregnancies and in only 2 of the 120 twin amniotic sacs.Conclusions.Judging AF volume on the basis of a 2 x 2 cm pocket misses more than 90% of cases of oligohydramnios in singletone and twins.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References