The effect of amniotic fluid removal on pulmonary maturation in sheep
Frantz, I.D.
Pediatrics 56(3): 474-476
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 1041512 Document Number: 93248
Several reports have suggested that premature rupture of the amniotic membranes (PROM) 24 h prior to delivery protects the immature fetus from developing respiratory distress syndrome. A model of PROM was developed in the pregnant ewe to test the hypothesis that loss of amniotic fluid has a maturational effect on the fetal lung. Seven ewes were studied; 5 had twin pregnancies and 2 were singletons. One amniotic sac in each twin pregnancy was drained as completely as possible and small volumes (10-20 ml) were drained from the control side (every 8 h for 48 h). All the fluid was drained from each singleton pregnancy at surgery and then every 8 h for the same period of time. Removal of large amounts of amniotic fluid did not accelerate pulmonary maturation, as measured by quasi-static pressure-volume curves.