Do fetal pulse oximetry readings at delivery correlate with cord blood oxygenation and acidaemia?
OBJECTIVE
To assess the accuracy of a pulse oximeter in the fetus.


METHODS
A prospective descriptive study, comparing oxygenation and acidaemia of cord blood with oxygen saturation in the arteries of the fetal scalp measured by a pulse oximeter just before delivery. The data were collected using an experimental pulse oximeter and a sensor specifically adapted to cope with the problems of fetal pulse oximetry.


METHODS
The labour ward in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Thirty seven Caucasian fetuses presenting by the vertex in normal uncomplicated labour.


METHODS
Fetal pulse oximetry reading shortly before birth, umbilical cord oxygenation and pH, and Apgar scores.


RESULTS
Data of sufficient quality were obtained from 28 fetuses. There was a highly significant correlation between pulse oximetry reading and umbilical vein oxygen saturation r = 0.59, P = < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between the pulse oximeter reading and cord blood pH (vein: r = 0.57, P = 0.002, artery: r = 0.63, P = 0.001). Apgar scores were not related to the oximetry results.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulse oximetry readings reflect fetal oxygenation at birth.
McNamara
H
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Leeds, Yorks, UK.
Chung
D C
DC
Lilford
R
R
Johnson
N
N
D001034:Apgar Score; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010092:Oximetry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors