Treating oligohydramnios with extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza: A randomized control trial

Hong-nü Chu, Mei-juan ShenAffiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, 310016, Hangzhou, ChinaObjective: To determine whether purified herbal extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza can improve the amniotic fluid volume in pre-term oligohydramnios by improving uteroplacental circulation.Methods: Forty-three pregnant women with oligohydramnios received a daily intravenous dose of 30 mL of salvia extract mixed with 5% glucose 500 mL. A control group of 41 women received daily 5% glucose 500 mL only. The amniotic fluid index (AFI) was assessed at least twice a week by ultrasonographists who were blinded to the treatment. Both women and fetuses were monitored closely. The change in AFI was calculated and compared by paired t test within and between groups. The revised recommendations for improving the quality of reports of parallel group randomized trials were used.Results: After a mean of 7.2 ± 2.7 days’ therapy, ranging from 3 to 18 days, the AFI increased significantly from a mean of 4.9 ± 2.3 cm to a mean of 7.12 ± 2.36 cm, by a mean of AFI 0.18 ± 0.06 cm/day (paired t = 3.62, p < 0.005). In the control group, the AFI increased from a mean of 5.1 ± 2.4 cm to a mean of 5.5 ± 3.1 cm after a mean of 6.1 ± 3.3 days’ treatment, ranging from 4 to 15 days. The effect of salvia treatment on AFI in the salvia group was significantly greater than in the control group (p < 0.001). No side effects were observed in treated patients.Conclusion: Salvia miltiorrhiza is an effective Chinese medicine for the treatment of oligohydramnios.Keywords: Salvia miltiorrhiza, therapy, oligohydramnios, amniotic fluid inde