Frequency of fetal anomalies in sonographically detected polyhydramnios.

One hundred and five patients who met the criterion of having an amniotic fluid pocket depth greater than 8.0 cm were categorized as polyhydramniotic. Of these cases, 82% were singleton pregnancies and 18% were twin pregnancies. The degree of polyhydramnios correlated directly with the probability that an anomaly would be detected. For the lowest rank group (pocket depth of 8 to 9.5 cm), 50% of fetuses manifested an anomaly, whereas the highest rank (16.0 cm or greater pocket depth) carried an 88% risk for an anomaly. Overall, 63% of pregnancies with polyhydramnios revealed anomalies. Sonography found all to be anomalous. There were three false diagnoses of potential anomalies. Monochorionic anomalies of twinning (twin transfusion syndrome and acardiac twin) and gastrointestinal anomalies among singletons were the most commonly seen abnormalities. However, a broad spectrum of anomalies was represented in the study group. Only five diabetic mothers were seen in our study cohort, and in each of them the pregnancy was further complicated by an associated fetal anomaly.