Large-volume therapeutic amniocentesis in the treatment of hydramnios.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and outcome of large-volume therapeutic amniocentesis in the treatment of hydramnios. Methods: Therapeutic amniocentesis was defined as an attempt to remove enough amniotic fluid (AF) in pregnancies complicated by symptomatic hydramnios to leave a normal volume of AF (AF index less than 25 cm). This report includes all therapeutic amniocenteses that were performed at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, from 1988-1993. Results: Ninety-four patients had 200 therapeutic amniocenteses. The most common condition treated with therapeutic amniocentesis was twin-twin transfusion syndrome (36 patients). The mean volume of fluid removed was 1666±1245 mL (mean±standard deviation)