Impact of the fetal pulse oximetry on the obstetrical decision in the theoretical setting.
OBJECTIVE
to assess whether fetal oxymetry reduces the intervention rate in a "theoretical setting".


METHODS
Data bank including 93 cases where a fetal oxymetry had been used for suspicion of fetal distress. Subjects-Two sets of labor charts were constructed for each case. One included relevant data with the saturometry, the other included relevant data without the saturometry.


METHODS
Theoretical setting: 3 obstetricians, unaware of study aim of the obstetrical outcomes. Each case was presented first without the saturometry; in a second reading, its result was available.


RESULTS
Number of extractions. Consensus between experts.


METHODS
descriptive and paired non parametric tests.


RESULTS
The global intervention rate was lower (47% versus 52%; p<0.05) and the consensus higher, using monitoring and saturometry than using monitoring only.


CONCLUSIONS
In a theoretical setting, the use of saturometry in suspicious cardiotocography (CTG) may help reduce the risk of invasive procedures.
Houba
Catherine
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Free Universities of Brussels (ULB-VUB), CHU St Pierre. Rue Haute 290, Brussels 1000 Belgium.
Murillo
Daniel
D
Barlow
Patricia
P
Debruyne
Geraldine
G
Rozenberg
Serge
S
D001034:Apgar Score; D015148:Cardiotocography / Q000379:methods*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005311:Fetal Hypoxia / Q000175:diagnosis; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010092:Oximetry / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy