Hydrotherapy for the Reversal of Oligohydramnios

Not Applicable

Terminated

Conditions: Oligohydramnios

Interventions: Other: Hydrotherapy
Drug: IV/Oral Hydration and Bedrest

Registration Number: NCT01682928

Lead Sponsor: Pediatrix

Brief Summary: OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of subtotal immersion therapy as an option to improve maternal intravascular volume thereby improving both maternal and fetal hemodynamic status with reversal of oligohydramnios. This will be measured utilizing the Amniotic Fluid Volume (AFV) as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will be measured using Fetal Doppler Studies, Maternal vital signs (Blood Pressure, Pulse Pressure, Weight, Pulse) and input/output.

HYPOTHESIS: Oligohydramnios, secondary to depleted maternal intravascular volume, can be reversed by improving feto- and uteroplacental perfusion with subtotal immersion therapy.

Detailed Description: BACKGROUND: The volume of amniotic fluid is relevant clinically as derangements that decrease volume result in a condition known as oligohydramnios, which can have profound implications on perinatal outcome. The incidence of oligohydramnios is 2.3%1,2,3 and measurements of amniotic fluid volume (AFV) has become a standard in fetal surveillance in the evaluation of high risk pregnancies as oligohydramnios is associated with intrauterine growth restriction, respiratory distress syndrome, post-maturity syndrome, and chronic fetal hypoxia. Oligohydramnios may also play a role in fetal malpresentation, umbilical cord compression, meconium staining, and increased operative delivery.3,4, 5,6 Oligohydramnios is commonly defined as an AFV of 5 cm or less. An AFV of 8 cm represents the fifth percentile of normal AFV values.7 It has been observed that delivery in the setting of isolated oligohydramnios, irrespective of an otherwise uncomplicated term gestation free of maternal disease, has become routine thereby increasing maternal morbidity particularly in context of operative delivery or failed inductions. 3

In order to understand oligohydramnios it is first important to understand intrauterine water and progressive changes that occur with normal human gestation. At term, it is reported that total water accumulation is approximately 3.5L, with 2400 mL in the fetus, 400 mL in the placenta, and 700 mL in the amniotic fluid.8 In 1989, Brace and colleagues determined amniotic fluid volume (AFV) as a function of gestational age. They reported an increase in mean values from 30mL at 10weeks to 190mL at 16wks to 780mL at 32-35wks after which time AFV decreases, especially in post-term pregnancies. It is important to realize; however, that the pattern of volume fluctuation as a function of gestational age may vary considerably between individuals. As a general rule AFV increases at a rate of 10ml/wk at the beginning of the fetal period, this rate of expansion increases to 50-60ml/wk from 19 to 25wks at which time a gradual decrease begins to take place until the rate of exchange is zero around 34wks.

The pathophysiology of amniotic fluid regulation is not entirely understood at this current date, but it is safe to state that AFV is the integrated sums of the inflow and outflow tracts of the amniotic space.8 Because fluid can move with relative ease between fetal and maternal blood across the placenta and amniotic membranes it stands to reason that a maternal hypovolemia secondary to dehydration would lead to the development of oligohydramnios. This was indeed shown to be the case by Sherer, et al in their 1990 publication. Furthermore, both oral and serum hydration as a way to increase maternal volume have been shown to be effective treatments for oligohydramnios.3,11-16

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: TERMINATED

Sex: Female

Target Recruitment: 4

Inclusion Criteria

Maternal Age >18 years
Oligohydramnios: diagnosed by sonography (defined AFV<8cm)
Singleton Pregnancy
Intact membranes
Gestational age 24 - 36 weeks

Exclusion Criteria

Indication for urgent delivery (severe PET, HELLP syndrome, persistent fetal hypoxemia [non-reassuring fetal heart rate pattern])
Ruptured amniotic membranes; PPROM, PROM, SROM
Fever (>38C)
Multiple gestation
>37 week gestation
Lethal Fetal anomalies and/or demise
Maternal Cardiovascular disease
Maternal Renal disease
Maternal Pulmonary disease (other than asthma)
Patients using prostaglandin inhibitors, NSAIDs3,15 (within 1 week of enrollment, other than baby asprin)
Non-English speaking
Vaginal Infections and/or active skin lesions
Placenta Previa and/or Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding
BMI > 45

Study & Design

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Hydrotherapy Group	Hydrotherapy	* Maternal BP (sitting) * Pulse Pressure * Pulse * Urine Specific Gravity BID * Fetal Heart Rate * Maternal Body Weight US Procedures * AC/EFW * Umbilical Artery Doppler Flow (Baseline, day 3, 7 {or Discharge}) o 1 hour +/- 30 minutes after submersion therapy * Uterine Artery Doppler Flow (Baseline, day 3, 7 {or Discharge}) o 1 hour +/- 30 minutes after submersion therapy * AFI (Baseline, day 3, 7 {or Discharge}) o 1 hour +/- 30 minutes after submersion therapy ALL ITEMS ABOVE MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE: * 1 Liter Water PO over 2 hours * 1 Liter IV Fluid Bolus (NS) then titrated to 75 ml\\hr for duration of the study participation * Strict I/O's * Vital signs * HYDROTHERAPY TWICE DAILY FOR 3-7 DAYS o Blood pressure, pulse, pulse pressure, body weight, and fetal heart rate before and after submersion therapy
IV/Oral Hydration and Bedrest	IV/Oral Hydration and Bedrest	* Maternal BP (sitting) * Pulse Pressure * Pulse * Urine Specific Gravity BID * Fetal Heart Rate * Maternal Body Weight US Procedures * AC/EFW * Umbilical Artery Doppler Flow (Baseline, day 3, 7 {or Discharge}) * Uterine Artery Doppler Flow (Baseline, day 3, 7 {or Discharge}) * AFI (Baseline, day 3, 7 {or Discharge}) ALL ITEMS ABOVE MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE: * 1 Liter Water PO over 2 hours * 1 Liter IV Fluid Bolus (NS) then titrated to 75 ml\\hr for duration of the study participation * Strict I/O's * Vital signs

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
1. Primary: Number of Participants With Reversal of Oligohydramnios Using AFV Measures	days 3, and 7 or discharge	Subjects amniotic fluid index via ultrasound on days 3, 5 and 7 of study participation.

Secondary Outcome Measures