The Added Contribution of Transvaginal Sonographic Evaluation of Amniotic Fluid Index

Background Normal amniotic fluid volume varies across gestation (Ounpraseuth 2017). Abnormal amniotic fluid volume has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes (Shrem 2016). In clinical practice, the amniotic fluid volume is a component of the biophysical profile which provides information on fetal well-being.

Transabdominal ultrasound is used to assess quantitatively the amniotic fluid volume, most commonly by either the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) or the Maximum Vertical Pocket (MVP) methods.

The value of the AFI method has been questioned in several studies, which have shown that an abnormal test, low or high, is neither highly accurate nor predictive of adverse outcome. Many pregnancies with normal AFI will be falsely characterized as abnormal, and a large number with truly abnormal AFI will be missed (Magann 1994, Chauhan 1997).

The MVP measurement may be preferred over the AFI method. A 2008 systematic review of randomized trials found that use of the AFI increased the rate of diagnosis of oligohydramnios (RR 2.3), induction of labor (RR 2.1), and cesarean delivery for fetal distress (RR 1.5) (Nabhan 2008).

Rationale and Hypothesis of the Study Recently, our group observed that when transvaginal ultrasound is being performed to non-laboring pregnant women at term for other obstetrical indications, there is a large amniotic fluid pocket above the internal cervical os and below the fetal presenting part. Due to the unique location of this pocket, we hypothesized that transvaginal ultrasound may provide better information than transabdominal ultrasound on amniotic fluid volume, particularly in cases when suspecting abnormal low amniotic fluid volume.

Data Collection

1. Maternal and fetal characteristics Data related to the fetomaternal antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum course will be recorded prospectively.
2. Ultrasound assessment Each eligible woman in the study population group will be asked to undergo prenatal ultrasound examination twice. The first ultrasound examination is a routine transabdominal ultrasound examination that is carried out to assess fetal growth and well-being. This is to be continued with a second transvaginal ultrasound, with a specific focus on the amniotic fluid pocket, that is; the distance in centimetres between the fetal presenting part and the internal cervical os. The second transvaginal ultrasound will be performed for the purpose of the study only, and by one other research team member that is blinded to the first routine transabdominal ultrasound. The entire length of the study, combining the transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds, is expected to take on the average around 15 min.

Ultrasound Equipment and Safety Considerations In their 2011 statement, The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG) and World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) consider ultrasonography to be safe for use during clinical practice (ISUOG 2011).

Statistical analyses and sample size For sample size calculation, and given a 20% rate of induction of labor, of which 3% are due to abnormal low amniotic fluid volume (oligohydramnios), a sample size of 1000 women is required.

Feasibility of the Study Considering the high volume of maternal care here at Rambam Health Care Campus, and that every year there are around 5,000 births and nearly double routine cares, the recruitment process for the current study is feasible.

Expected Duration of the Study The recruitment for the study is expected to take place over 12 months with an additional 3-6 months after recruitment for data analysis before publication.

Funding Women will be recruited while approaching Rambam Health Care Campus for their routine obstetric care. Ultrasound examinations will be carried out using existing operational ultrasound equipments within the obstetric department at Rambam Health Care Campus. For both, the recruitment and the ultrasound examinations, no extra funding is currently required.

Public Health Interest Identifying new ultrasound variables that can assist in quantifying amniotic fluid volume, as the one suggested in the current study, is of great importance and may provide invaluable information into the overall future care and decision-making around the time of delivery, especially whether or not to induce labor in women with suspected oligohydramnios. Thus, it may assist in creating future recommendations for pregnant women and improved healthcare standards during the delivery process.