Amnioinfusion
Amnioinfusion is a method in which isotonic fluid is instilled into the uterine cavity.
| Amnioinfusion | |
|---|---|
| ICD-9-CM | 75.37 |
It was introduced in the 1960s as a means of terminating pregnancy and inducing labor in intrauterine death, but is currently used as a treatment in order to correct fetal heart rate changes caused by umbilical cord compression, indicated by variable decelerations seen on fetal heart rate monitoring. In severe cases of oligohydramnios, amnioinfusion may be performed prophylactically to prevent umbilical cord compression.
It has also been used to reduce the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome, though evidence of benefit is mixed. The UK National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines recommend against the use of amnioinfusion in women with meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).