Lipid peroxidation in cord blood: the effect of amniotic fluid volume

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of amniotic fluid volume on umbilical cord arterial lipid peroxide levels in relation to intrapartum events.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Delivery suite of a teaching hospital, the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Population: Women with singleton, term, cephalic presentation, and an initially normal fetal heart rate tracing.

Methods: All pregnancies had amniotic fluid index assessments before and after amniotomy and cord arterial lipid peroxide determination at delivery. Multiple regression analysis.

Main outcome measures: Cord arterial malondialdehyde and organic hydroperoxide levels.

Results: In 247 cases following amniotomy levels were inversely correlated with intrapartum amniotic fluid index. Amniotic fluid index during labour was an independent determinant of cord arterial lipid peroxide concentration, along with duration of second stage, absence of epidural, presence of tight nuchal cord entanglement and evidence of fetal distress.

Conclusions: Oligohydramnios during labour is associated with high levels of lipid peroxidation in the fetus, reflecting an increase in hypoxic cellular damage by free radicals.