Echogenicity of amniotic fluid : its value in predicting meconium-stained amniotic fluid / Mary Ann De Vega-Vequilla, Nora A. Martin and Lylah D. Reyes.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is a frequent occurrence in obstetric and neonatal practice and is associated with adverse perinatal outcome. The role of ultrasound in the prediction of meconium-stained amniotic fluid has been explored by various studies. This perspective cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the accuracy of sonographic echogenicity of amniotic fluid in predicting meconium-stained amniotic fluid. One hundred seventy four pregnant patients who were admitted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of FEU-NRMF Medical Center between July to October 2009. were included in the study. Each patient underwent transabdominal ultrasound prior to amniotomy or elective cesarean section to assess the sonographic and morphologic characteristics of the aminiotic fluid. The sensitivity , specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio of echogenic amniotic fluid in predicting meconium-stained amniotic fluid were determined. Results showed a sensitivity of 94.59% a specificity of 47.45% a positive result of 1.799 and a likelihood ratio for a negative result of 0.11. Prevalence of meconium stained amniotic fluid is 21.26% The sensitivity of sonographic echogenicity of amniotic fluid is 21.26%. The sensitivity of sonographic echogenicity of amniotic fluid in predicting meconium-stained amniotic fluid is 94.59% positive predictive value is 32.71% and negative predictive value is 97.01%. The probability of the presence of meconium stained may be increased but only a small degree (positive LR = 1.799); negative LR = 0.11)

Research - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology