The association of the amniotic fluid index (AFI) with perinatal fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)

Objectives: To investigate association of amniotic fluid index (AFI) with perinatal fetal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) Material and methods: A total of 70 singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM at 23–33 weeks’ gestation were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Data on maternal clinical and obstetric characteristics [maternal age, gravidity, parity, PPROM time, and AFI (cm), latency period, treatments, type of delivery, length of hospital stay (LOS, day)], fetal characteristics (gestational age at delivery, birth weight (g), gender) and maternal and fetal complications were recorded and compared in AFI < 5 cm (n = 27) and AFI ≥ 5 cm (n = 21) groups. Results: Overall AFI was ≤ 5 cm in 27 (56.3%) patients and > 5 cm in 21 (43.7%) patients. No significant difference was noted in maternal clinical and obstetric characteristics, gestational age at delivery and gender of the newborn as well as in maternal and fetal complications rates with respect to AFI groups. AFI was correlated positively with latency period (r = 0.399, p = 0.018) and negatively with postpartum LOS (r = –0.314, p = 0.030). Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings seems to indicate increased likelihood of shorter latency to delivery and longer postpartum LOS with decrease in AFI after PPROM between 23–33 weeks’ gestation, whereas no impact of AFI on mode of delivery and fetal or maternal complications