The effect of amniotic fluid index on the accuracy of sonographic estimated fetal weight

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the amniotic fluid index (AFI) and the accuracy of the sonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) as substantiated by the actual birth weight. This is a retrospective study where data of the sonographic estimated fetal weight and the birth weight at delivery were collected to calculate range of error when the amniotic fluid index was indicative of polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios, with normal amniotic fluid volumes as a control group. Results revealed significant, fairly strong to strong correlations between the variables within each group. Further analysis compared the mean scores of the three groups. Although differences in the mean values exist, large overlaps existed. This questions the usefulness of the correlation of the EFW and AFI in clinical use.