Intrapartum amnioinfusion in meconium-stained liquor: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate perinatal outcome and the rate of cesarean section (CS) following intrapartum amnioinfusion in women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). METHOD A total of 100 women at term in labor with meconium were randomized to infuse transcervical intrapartum amnioinfusion with saline (50) and routine obstetrical care (50). Perinatal outcome and obstetric outcome were recorded and analyzed in both groups by means of Chi-square test. RESULT The CS rate due to fetal distress was 40.0 % in the control group and 20.0 % in the study group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Respiratory distress of the neonate was significantly less common in the study group than in the control group (4.0 % vs. 12 %; P = 0.0349). CONCLUSION Amnioinfusion in cases of meconium-stained liquor significantly improved neonatal outcome and CS rate without increasing any maternal and fetal complications.