Oligohydramnion, meconium and perinatal death concurrent with indomethacin treatment in human pregnancy.

Three pregnancies in which indomethacin was given for several days to arrest premature delivery ended in oligohydramnion, meconium and perinatal death. These findings, together with previous information from animal experimentation and experience in humans reported on in the literature, show that indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, may interfere with the normal uteroplacental circulation, amniotic fluid production, renal functions and neonatal cardiopulmonary adaptation. The possible hazards of indomethacin treatment during the third trimester of pregnancy are discussed.