Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of acid base determination in preterm fetuses with nonreassuring FHR tracings. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty six fetuses between 25-32 weeks with nonreassuring FHR tracing underwent cordocentesis for acid base assessment. Fetuses with cord pH < 7.2 were delivered, fetuses with cord pH > 7.20 were managed expectantly. Umbilical cord pH was recorded in all cases at delivery. RESULTS: The indications for acid-base assessment were as follows: late decelerations in ten cases, repetitive variable decelerations in seven cases, decreased FHR variability in five cases, episodes of fetal bradycardia in four cases, in 21 cases the umbilical cord pH were normal. Five fetuses with acidotic values were delivered. The remaining 21 cases with normal pH were managed expectantly with bi-weekly BPP's with non-reassuring results as indication for delivery. Delivery was delayed by one week in five cases and two weeks in three cases. In four fetuses, delivery was delayed by more than three weeks; three of these fetuses were delivered at term. All 21 neonates were born in satisfactory condition with pH's >7.20. CONCLUSIONS: Cordocentesis appears useful in managing preterm fetuses with nonreassuring FHR tracing. Normal cord pH's are reassuring and helpful in prolonging pregnancy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | S132 |
| Journal | Acta Diabetologica Latina |
| Volume | 176 |
| Issue number | 1 PART II |
| State | Published - 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |