The effects of amnioinfused solutions for meconium-stained amniotic fluid on neonatal plasma electrolyte concentrations and pH

Abstract

Objective: To determine if amnioinfused normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution in cases of meconium-stained amniotic fluid is associated with significant changes on neonatal plasma electrolyte concentrations or pH.

Study design: This was a prospective randomized study using normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution for amnioinfusion in women with thick meconium in the amniotic fluid. The control group was composed of women with clear amniotic fluid not receiving amnioinfusion. Cord blood arterial sampling was analyzed for sodium, potassium, and chloride plasma concentrations and pH. The sample sizes allowed for an alpha of 0.05 and power of 0.80.

Results: We evaluated 61 cases (20 normal saline solution, 20 lactated Ringer's solution, and 21 control). No significant differences in cord blood arterial plasma concentrations of sodium (p=0.43), potassium (p=0.21), chloride (p=0.68), and pH (p=0.11) were noted.

Conclusion: Use of normal saline or lactated Ringer's solution for amnioinfusion in meconium-stained amniotic fluid is not associated with changes on neonatal plasma electrolyte concentrations or pH.