Use of furosemide in pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios

Amniotic fluid volume changes in response to frusemide induced maternal fluid shifts

Frusemide use in pregnancy is generally restricted to patients with cardiac decompensation. In the past, maternal administration of oral frusemide had been tried to identify non-functioning fetal kidneys by utilizing the diuretic effect of frusemide on the fetal kidneys. We report a case of primigravida with severe mitral stenosis presenting in pulmonary edema that received high dose of frusemide. This was associated with the development of transient oligohydramnios. We discuss the clinical significance of this observation and the possible explanations.

Amniotic fluid volume: fluid dynamics and measurement technique

Evaluation of amniotic fluid volume is an important aspect of obstetrical ultrasound. Several methods are currently used to describe amniotic fluid volumes. The most common are the subjective assessment of fluid and the semiquantitative methods. The reproducibility of these methods is excellent in experienced hands. Because of the multiple methods used to assess fluid, both oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios have numerous definitions. Regardless of which definition is used, it is clear that both of these entities are associated with a variety of fetal and maternal conditions. Abnormal amniotic fluid volume may be the only or earliest sonographic sign of an obstetrical problem. Therefore, it is important that sonologists are familiar with amniotic fluid volume assessment. Although subjective and semiquantitative techniques may produce similar results, a numerical scale is no substitute for experience and training. One should be able to recognize lesser degrees of fluid abnormality and be able to assess the trend of amniotic fluid volume in serial examinations.