The sensitivity and specificity of subjective and a semi-quantitative technique of amniotic fluid volume assessment in predicting intrapartum morbidity.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of two techniques of amniotic fluid volume assessment to predict intrapartum morbidity in a high-risk population. A total of 213 pregnant women at the Grace Maternity Hospital, Vancouver, Canada were examined ultrasonically and the amniotic fluid volume was assessed subjectively and using the amniotic fluid index. Both techniques showed high specificity and negative predictive values for all outcome measures, but had an associated poor sensitivity and positive predictive value. Both techniques were similar in their ability to identify situations involving intrapartum morbidity. It is concluded that amniotic fluid assessment is a weak predictor of intrapartum morbidity but may be useful in certain conditions such as when the pregnancy is post-dates.