| Abstract
Objectives: Polyhydramnios is a condition that could be along with significant maternal, fetal and neonatal consequences. One
of the most important complications of this condition is preterm labor and delivery of preterm neonates. Although in mild cases
expectant conservative management is effective, in more severe cases, medications (such as indomethacin) and amnioreduction
could be considered. Each one of these methods could be accompanied with complications. This study aims to examine the results of
management of patients with polyhydramnios according to the fetal and maternal distress and preterm labor criteria.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic setting, 26 pregnant mothers with polyhydramnios (amniotic fluid index [AFI]
more than 30) were managed according to the fetal and maternal distress and preterm labor criteria. In cases under 32 gestational
weeks, indomethacin was used with an initial dose of 25 mg every 6 hours and a maximum dose of 2-3 mg/kg that was tapered when
the AFI diminished. In refractory cases, the flowchart of fetal and maternal distress and preterm labor was employed. In pregnancies
aged over 32 weeks, in case of maternal distress amnioreduction was performed, and in asymptomatic patients, cervical length,
funneling, color Doppler and placental thickness were evaluated and in normal cases controlling was carried every 1-2 weeks and
abnormal cases amnioreduction was carried out.
Results: The mean age of studies patients was 28.12 ± 7.22 years and the mean pregnancy age was 232.23 ± 23.57 days. On this basis,
there were 8 patients under 32 gestational weeks, in which indomethacin was administered and a response to treatment was seen in
the week 1. All cases have increased amniotic fluid again in week 2. In 2 cases, re-administration was done. All patients including those
aged over 32 weeks and those who reached 32 weeks by using indomethacin were managed according to the suggested algorithm.
Symptoms indicating maternal distress was present in 3 patients (11.5%), 2 of them were treated with amnioreduction and the other
one did not give consent and pregnancy termination was carried out at the age of 29 gestational weeks due to cord prolapse. In 2 cases
with amnioreduction, the pregnancy reached to term. The mean cervical length was 32.38 ± 2.38 mm and dilatation or funneling
was not present. Decreased placental thickness, placental malfunction and abnormal placental circulation were not detected. Except
for the one mentioned case, all pregnancies were terminated over 34 gestational weeks, and besides a case with prolapse, no other
maternal, fetal or neonatal complication was observed.
Conclusion: The effect of indomethacin was temporary and this medication could be used safely. The beginning of delivery is
suddenly in these patients and is not predictable by cervical changes. The placenta was normal in all cases in the current study. In
case of maternal distress, amnioreduction was along with good outcome. Color Doppler evaluation and placental thickness were not
accompanied with good results.
Keywords: Polyhydramnios, Indomethacin, Amnioreduction |