Prospective comparative study for analysing efficacy of L-Arginine against all essential aminoacids infusions in patients of oligohydramnios

Oligohydramnios (reduced amniotic fluid) found to be responsible for many complications like Mal-presentations, Umbilical cord compression, Meconium aspiration syndrome and hence increased operative delivery. Maintenance of maternal hydration, supplementation of antioxidants and essential amino-acids is mainstay of treatment. Various modalities are available to treat oligohydramnios & reducing complications of oligohydramnios.

To compare efficacy of L-Arginine sachets versus All Essential Amino-Acids(EAA) infusions for treatment of oligohydramnios cases.

Prospective comparative study.

A total of 100 women attending antenatal clinic diagnosed with oligohydramnios were included in our study. 50 patients received only L-Arginine sachets(5 gm twice a day). Another 50 received all EAA infusion(200 ml on alternate day preceded by 500 ml of 10% fructodex). Results of both the groups were obtained in view of-Mean increase in liquor, intervention delivery interval, and neonatal outcome.

The Mean Gestational age at the time of recruitment was 32.3 and 31.6 weeks in study and control group respectively. The mean AFI at the time of enrollment was 6.13 ±0.53, 6.10 ±0.31 in both groups respectively. Patients were delivered at ≥ 37 weeks (in study group 80% in control group 78%). The Mean AFI at the end of therapeutic intervention was (8.63 ± 0.71 and 8.53 ± 0.70, in study group and control group respectively), so we got improvement in mean AFI by 2.50 ± 0.18 in study group and 2.43 ± 0.39 in control group. There was no significant neonatal morbidity in these patients. Significant improvement in liquor volume was obtained in both the groups.

Treatment with L-Arginine and All EAA infusion resulted in significant improvement in liquor and prolongation of duration of pregnancy. But L-Arginine sachets are more cost effective and without hospitalization. Also there is no significant difference between results of study and control groups.