EFFECTS OF L- ARGININE IN OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS: A REVIEW

*Dr. Nabajyoti Baishya and Dr. Clarinda Khongwar

ABSTRACT

Amniotic fluid is an essential liquid that provides cushioning of the fetus against mechanical and biological injury, facilitating the growth of the fetus and supplying nutrients. Oligohydramnios is a decreased amount of amniotic fluid which is associated with placental insufficiency, impaired lung development in fetus and fetal growth restriction. Long term complications may result in cord compression, fetal heart rate variation in labour, and increased chance of operative deliveries. L-arginine have been used in various studies to find out the effect on AFI, the mode of delivery and the fetal outcome.In this article, required information was collected through few case studies done on effects of L-arginine on oligohydramnios. L-arginine is an endogenous sole precursor of nitric oxide which is an important regulator of placental perfusion and plays a vital role in placental vascular endothelial function. L-arginine increases uteroplacental blood flow through nitric oxide, thereby, increasing the supply of nutrients to the fetus aiding its growth. With administration of L-arginine, there is increased in amniotic fluid index and prolongation of gestational period.

Keywords: Amniotic fluid, L-arginine in Oligohydramnios, Oligohydramnios.