A Randomized Trial of Inpatient and Home-Based Maternal Oral Hydration Therapy in Isolated Oligohydramnios and Its Effect on Amniotic Fluid Index and Perinatal Outcome

Background Isolated oligohydramnios, without any known fetal/maternal abnormality, may be associated with insufficient oral intake (such as water, glucose, and rehydration therapy). Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the improvement following maternal hydration. Method A total of 50 cases of isolated oligohydramnios (other high-risk pregnancy conditions not present) were included in the study (25 in each group). Patients were encouraged for an additional 2 liters of oral rehydration solution intake daily along with regular diet. The fluid intake was unsupervised in the home group and supervised in the hospital group. Serial amniotic fluid index (AFI) measurements and fetal monitoring were performed. Birth weight and APGAR scores were recorded, and data were analyzed. Results The two groups were comparable in terms of demographics and baseline laboratory findings. AFI significantly improved in the hospital group compared to the home group (p-value: <0.001). Birth weight, placental weight, and APGAR scores were also significantly better in the hospital group than in the home group. Conclusion Maternal oral hydration therapy improves the amniotic fluid volume and subsequently improves the perinatal outcome. Due to poor compliance with home-based treatment, institution of supervised hydration therapy is recommended.