Randomized Study of Oral Arginine Versus Combination Therapy in Idiopathic Oligohydramnios

Amniotic fluid, a dynamic medium, is affected by Oligohydramnios, a decrease of less than 8cm. It has been suggested that increasing maternal blood volume and improving blood flow to the placenta using nitric oxide donors can help raise AFI levels.

The study compared oral arginine alone and combined oral arginine and intravenous fluids on increasing AFI in borderline oligohydramnios before term in women. The randomized, comparative trial involved two groups of 28-36 weeks gestation with an AFI of 8 cm or less. The treatment included oral arginine for one week and daily IV infusions of fructodex and Ringer's lactate. Ultrasound was used to monitor AFI weekly.

After treatment, the average increase in AFI was 0.95 ± 1.11 cm in the oral arginine group and 1.87 ± 1.22 cm in the combination group. The average duration by which pregnancy was prolonged was 4.48 weeks in the oral arginine group and 4.24 weeks in the combination group.

The study found that combining oral arginine with IV fluids increased AFI, but it was temporary. Both groups had similar pregnancy outcomes, suggesting continuous oral arginine use as a practical and effective management approach.

(Source:  Indian J ObstetGynecol Res2025;12(1):38-42  https://www.ijogr.org/article-details/23996)