Ultrasound estimation of amniotic fluid volume using the largest vertical pocket containing umbilical cord: measure to or through the cord?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the preferable method, either measuring to the umbilical cord or through the umbilical cord to the base of the pocket, of ultrasonically estimating amniotic fluid volume.

SUBJECT AND METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out in singleton pregnancies undergoing a third-trimester amniocentesis. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) and single deepest pocket (SDP) were measured prior to amniocentesis. If measured spaces contained umbilical cord, measurements were made to and through the cord. Actual amniotic fluid volume was determined by the dye-dilution technique.

RESULTS: One-hundred pregnancies were evaluated. Low dye-determined volume was identified in a significantly greater number of pregnancies using the AFI to the cord (7/28, 25%) compared to through the cord (2/28, 7%) (P = 0.025). The SDP technique to the cord was superior in low volumes (2/28, 7%) vs. (0/28, 0%) through the cord (although statistical significance could not be determined because there were no low through-the-cord measurements).

CONCLUSIONS: For the detection of low amniotic fluid volumes, the AFI to the cord is better than through the cord. Measurement to the cord and through the cord had similar accuracy for both the AFI and SDP techniques in normal and high dye-determined amniotic fluid volumes.