Transcervical amnioinfusion.

BACKGROUND Transcervical amnioinfusion is a new and relatively safe, simple procedure that can be performed in most modern hospital maternity units. METHODS We reviewed the current medical literature concerning this topic by searching MEDLINE files from 1987 to the present, using key words "amnioinfusion," "fetal distress," "premature rupture of membranes," "meconium aspiration," and "oligohydramnios." Older articles were accessed from cross-reference of the more recent publications. RESULTS When amnioinfusion was used to treat variable fetal heart rate decelerations, it usually reduced the severity of the decelerations, as well as the Cesarean section rate for fetal distress. Prophylactic transcervical amnioinfusion has been studied in three other settings: premature rupture of membranes, meconium passage during labor, and oligohydramnios. A suggested protocol for saline amnioinfusion during labor is given. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are needed to confirm efficacy reports and to clarify the indications for saline amnioinfusion.