Maternal oxygen administration for suspected impaired fetal growth.
BACKGROUND
Fetal hypoxaemia is often a feature of fetal growth impairment. It has been suggested that perinatal outcome after suspected impaired fetal growth might be improved by giving mothers continuous oxygen until delivery.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to assess the effects of maternal oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth on fetal growth and perinatal outcome.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (November 2002).


METHODS
Acceptably controlled trials comparing maternal oxygen therapy with no oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth.


METHODS
Eligibility and trial quality was assessed.


RESULTS
Three studies involving 94 women were included. Oxygenation compared with no oxygenation was associated with a lower perinatal mortality rate (relative risk: 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 0.81). However, higher gestational age in the oxygenation groups may have accounted for the difference in mortality rates.


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the benefits and risks of maternal oxygen therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth. Further trials of maternal hyperoxygenation seem warranted.
Say
L
L
Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, Geneva 27, Switzerland. sayl@who.int
Gülmezoglu
A M
AM
Hofmeyr
G J
GJ
D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic