Mahmood S, Akbar A A, Majid A.
Ultrasonographically detectable fetal congenital anomalies associated with polyhydramnios.
Biomedica Jan ;31(2):104-7.

Background and Objectives: To determine frequency of ultrasonographically detectable fetal congenital anomalies in patients with polyhydramnios. It was a convenient sampling study conducted at Department of Radiology, Ch. Rehmat Ali Memorial Trust Hospital Township, Lahore from July 2012 to June 2013. Methodology: This study was conducted on all pregnant women with singleton pregnancy in the second and third trimester. All women were subjected to ultrasonography. For convenience purpose the first 100 women with polyhydramnios were further investigated for fetal outcome. Amniotic fluid index greater than 24 cm or a maximum vertical pocket of liquor greater than 8 cm confirmed the diagnosis of polyhydramnios. Results: Out of 100 subjects, 48 (48%) were found to have fetal anomalies. The congenital anomalies frequency was found to be directly associated with amniotic fluid pocket depth (AFPD) values. The frequency of anomalies ranged from 25% to 100%. The results showed that as the size of amniotic fluid pocket increased so did the frequency of fetal anomalies. For the lowest rank group (pocket size 8-9.5 cm) 13 fetuses (27%) manifested an anomaly. The highest rank group (pocket size 16 cm) carried a risk of 100% (1 of 1) for an anomaly. Conclusion: The extent of congenital anomalies is related to the degree of polyhydramnios. Polyhydramnios should alert both clinician and sonologist to look for possible anomalies in fetus. Early and accurate diagnosis is necessary both for the help of mother and for the outcome of pregnancies. Ultrasound plays an important role in this regard.

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