Evaluation of role of amino acid infusion in cases of intrauterine growth restriction: Our experience

To evaluate the effect of amino acid infusion in pregnant mothers with suspected Intra Uterine Growth Restriction diagnosed in antenatal period-whether perinatal morbidity and mortality reduced or not by this treatment.

80 cases were taken up for the study, patient were grouped into 2 groups. Group 1: Comprised 40 patients with IUGR who were only observed and no intervention was tried and served as control group. In this group of patient fundal height measurement and ultrasonographic evaluation 4 weekly done in 28–32 weeks of gestation and 2 weekly in patient of more than 32 weeks of gestation. Group 2: Comprised 40 patients with IUGR who received amino acid infusion followed by 10% dextrose for 3 consecutive days. Repeat infusion were done 4 weekly in 28–32 weeks of gestational age and 2 weekly in patient of more than 32 weeks of gestation. Both grouped were followed till term and delivery. Ultrasonography parameters at 36 weeks of gestation in both groups were compared.

Mean abdominal circumference at 36 weeks in study group was 321mm and 294mm in control group. Fetal weight at 36 weeks of gestation in group 1 was 2255 gm and 2588 gm in group 2. Mean AFI at 36 weeks of gestation were 9 cm and in control group it was 5 cm. In study group 90% babies born with apgar score more than 5.

Fetal weight gain was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1, which indicates that the curative effect of amino acid combined with routine therapy is greater than that of routine therapy alone in late onset IUGR.