Key result
Fetal scalp lactate testing during labour showed no significant difference in neonatal encephalopathy compared to pH estimation (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.32-3.09), but was more likely to be successful.
Why the study?
Does fetal scalp lactate testing improve neonatal outcomes compared to pH estimation in fetuses with non-reassuring heart rate traces during labor?
Population
3,348 mother-baby pairs with a non-reassuring cardiotocograph during labor requiring fetal blood sampling
Comparison
Fetal scalp lactate testing vs Fetal scalp pH estimation or no…
Design
Systematic_review, Unblinded
Authors
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Fetal scalp lactate sampling succeeds more often than pH without raising neonatal encephalopathy risk; supports preferential use in intrapartum monitoring.
Systematic Review (n=3,348)
Does fetal scalp lactate testing improve neonatal outcomes compared to pH estimation in fetuses with non-reassuring heart rate traces during labor?
Relative Risk: 1 (95% CI 0.32–3.09)
Fetal scalp lactate estimation is more likely to be successfully undertaken than pH estimation, with no significant differences in neonatal outcomes or mode of birth.
East et al. (2015) conducted a systematic review in Non-reassuring fetal heart rate trace during labour (n=3,348). Fetal scalp lactate testing vs. pH estimation was evaluated on Neonatal encephalopathy (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32 to 3.09). Fetal scalp lactate testing during labour showed no significant difference in neonatal encephalopathy compared to pH estimation (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.32-3.09), but was more likely to be successful.
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