| Amniotic fluid is essential for fetal well-being, playing critical roles in protection, fetal movement, and the development of
fetal organs. Oligohydramnios, a condition characterized by reduced amniotic fluid volume, affects 3-5% of pregnancies
and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal distress, low APGAR scores, and increased perinatal
morbidity. This prospective study, conducted at the Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Pondicherry,
aimed to evaluate the effects of L-arginine supplementation on amniotic fluid volume and perinatal outcomes in
pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios. A total of 200 antenatal women between 28 to 36 weeks of gestation were
divided into two groups: 100 women received L-arginine supplementation, while 100 served as controls. The study
assessed improvements in the amniotic fluid index (AFI), mode of delivery, APGAR scores, and overall perinatal
outcomes. Results showed that L-arginine supplementation significantly increased AFI, particularly between 30 and 34
weeks of gestation, with total AFI increases of 38 cm, 28 cm, and 14 cm for 2 cm, 3 cm, and 4 cm differences, respectively.
However, the mode of delivery was not significantly altered by L-arginine, with similar rates of vaginal and cesarean
deliveries in both groups. The study concludes that L-arginine shows promise as a non-invasive treatment for
oligohydramnios, improving amniotic fluid volume and potentially benefiting fetal outcomes, though further research is
needed to fully establish its role in clinical practiceddd |
