The objective of this study was to compare the risk factors and peripartum outcomes
among patients who had nonelective cesarean delivery with umbilical arterial pH <
versus ≥ 7.00. A case-control study of parturients who delivered by nonelective cesarean
delivery and had a neonate with a pH < 7.00 were compared with the next four patients
who delivered abdominally but had a newborn with a normal pH. Among 45 newborns with
pH < 7.00 the rate of cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal heart rate was significantly
more common in the case (56%) than control group (16%). The rates of end organ failure
and neonatal death were similar for both groups. Although newborns with pH < 7.00
were significantly more likely to have cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal heart
rate patterns and be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, there was no means
to identify these patients until the abnormalities in tracing developed.
KEYWORDS
Umbilical arterial pH < 7.00 - cesarean delivery - nonreassuring fetal heart tracing
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Suneet P ChauhanM.D.
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Regional Women's Health Care
853 N. Church Street, Suite 610
Spartanburg, SC 29303