Key result
Non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracings increased the risk for immediate adverse neonatal outcomes by 50% compared to reassuring patterns, independent of other risk factors.
Why the study?
Do specific fetal heart rate pattern abnormalities predict adverse neonatal outcomes in term pregnancies?
Population
2,200 consecutive deliveries, singleton, term patients without chorioamnionitis or serious malformations
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
immediate postpartum
Authors
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May prompt enhanced neonatal surveillance in term deliveries; extends observational data but should not yet change practice.
Cohort (n=2,200)
Do specific fetal heart rate pattern abnormalities predict adverse neonatal outcomes in term pregnancies?
The majority of fetal heart rate pattern abnormalities are reassuring and predict normal outcomes, while specific non-reassuring patterns identify infants needing further evaluation.
Berkus et al. (1999) conducted a cohort in Term pregnancies (n=2,200). Non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracings vs. Reassuring fetal heart rate tracings was evaluated on Apgar<7 and cord pH<7.15, or immediate adverse outcome. Non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracings increased the risk for immediate adverse neonatal outcomes by 50% compared to reassuring patterns, independent of other risk factors.
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