title: Predictive value of pulse oximetry for the development of fetal acidosis.
abstract: To determine the predictive value of fetal pulse oximetry (FPO) for the development of fetal acidosis in cases of non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR).
  
  
  
  In a prospective observational study, pulse oximetry monitoring was examined in cases of non-reassuring FHR during singleton cephalic delivery at 36-42 weeks' gestation. The study examined whether fetal arterial oxygen saturation (FSpO(2)) values <30% for at least 10 min during the last 60 min before delivery increase the risk of fetal acidosis. The predictive reliability of this algorithm and the correlation to fetal acidosis [umbilical artery pH (UApH) <7.15] were analyzed.
  
  
  
  We included 101 patients with non-reassuring FHR during delivery. The incidence of fetal acidosis was significantly higher when FSpO(2) values <30% were recorded for at least 10 min (P=0.0). An UApH <7.15 was reliably excluded with a negative predictive value of 98.7% and detected with a sensitivity of 92.9%.
  
  
  
  A low pulse oximetry oxygen saturation <30% for at least 10 min correlates highly with fetal acidosis in cases of non-reassuring FHR. FPO reliably excludes moderate to advanced acidosis and can reduce the frequency of fetal blood analysis (FBA) in cases of non-reassuring cardiotocography (CTG).
authors: Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. Andreas.nonnenmacher@charite.de
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Nonnenmacher
authors: Hartmut
authors: H
authors: Hopp
authors: Joachim
authors: J
authors: Dudenhausen
mesh_terms: D000138:Acidosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015148:Cardiotocography; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D010092:Oximetry; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies