THE EFFECT OF FETAL PULSE OXIMETRY ON NEONATAL OUTCOMES OF FETUSES WITH THE DIAGNOSIS OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION

Objective: To investigate the role of fetal pulse oximetry on cesarean section rates and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with an indication of induction of labour due to intrauterine growth restriction. Materials and methods: Pregnant women who have been planned induction of labour with 50 mcg sublingual misoprostol due to intrauterine growth restriction were assigned into two groups. 46 women in the first group were assessed with fetal heart rate monitoring alone during labour and a cesarean section due to fetal distress was performed according to fetal heart rate monitoring (group 1). 45 women in the second group were assessed with fetal pulse oximetry plus fetal heart rate monitoring and a cesarean section due to fetal distress was performed according to fetal oxygen saturations recorded by fetal pulse oximetry (group 2). Induction to delivery interval, intrapartum variables, Apgar scores, cord blood gas analysis and early neonatal outcomes were compared in between the groups. Results: While oxytocin augmentation (86 % vs 60 %, p:0.006) and vaginal birth rates (86 % vs 43 %, p<0.001) were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1, cesarean section rates due to fetal distress were significantly lower in group 2 compared with group 1 (13 % vs 41 %, p:0.003). Early neonatal outcomes were similar in between the two groups. Conclusions: Fetal pulse oximetry in induction of labour of fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction decreases cesarean rates due to fetal distress without any change in neonatal outcomes.