S Sabdia1, R M Greer2, T Prior2, S Kumar3. 1. Mater Research Institute/University of Queensland, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; Mater Mothers' Hospital, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia. 2. Mater Research Institute/University of Queensland, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia. 3. Mater Research Institute/University of Queensland, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; Mater Mothers' Hospital, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; Imperial College London, UK. Electronic address: sailesh.kumar@mater.uq.edu.au.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the association between the cerebro-umbilical ratio measured at 35-37 weeks and intrapartum fetal compromise. METHODS: This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted at the Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Maternal demographics and fetal Doppler indices at 35-37 weeks gestation for 1381 women were correlated with intrapartum and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Babies born by caesarean section or instrumental delivery for fetal compromise had the lowest median cerebro-umbilical ratio 1.60 (IQR 1.22-2.08) compared to all other delivery groups (vaginal delivery, emergency delivery for failure to progress, emergency caesarean section for other reasons or elective caesarean section). The percentage of infants with a cerebro-umbilical ratio <10th centile that required emergency delivery (caesarean section or instrumental delivery) for fetal compromise was 22%, whereas only 7.3% of infants with a cerebro-umbilical ratio between the 10th-90th centile and 9.6% of infants with a cerebro-umbilical ratio > 90th centile required delivery for the same indication (p < 0.001). A lower cerebro-umbilical ratio was associated with an increased risk of emergency delivery for fetal compromise, OR 2.03 (95% CI 1.41-2.92), p < 0.0001. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that a low fetal cerebro-umbilical ratio measured at 35-37 weeks is associated with a greater risk of intrapartum compromise. This is a relatively simple technique which could be used to risk stratify women in diverse healthcare settings.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to explore the association between the cerebro-umbilical ratio measured at 35-37 weeks and intrapartum fetal compromise. METHODS: This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted at the Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Maternal demographics and fetal Doppler indices at 35-37 weeks gestation for 1381 women were correlated with intrapartum and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Babies born by caesarean section or instrumental delivery for fetal compromise had the lowest median cerebro-umbilical ratio 1.60 (IQR 1.22-2.08) compared to all other delivery groups (vaginal delivery, emergency delivery for failure to progress, emergency caesarean section for other reasons or elective caesarean section). The percentage of infants with a cerebro-umbilical ratio <10th centile that required emergency delivery (caesarean section or instrumental delivery) for fetal compromise was 22%, whereas only 7.3% of infants with a cerebro-umbilical ratio between the 10th-90th centile and 9.6% of infants with a cerebro-umbilical ratio > 90th centile required delivery for the same indication (p < 0.001). A lower cerebro-umbilical ratio was associated with an increased risk of emergency delivery for fetal compromise, OR 2.03 (95% CI 1.41-2.92), p < 0.0001. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that a low fetal cerebro-umbilical ratio measured at 35-37 weeks is associated with a greater risk of intrapartum compromise. This is a relatively simple technique which could be used to risk stratify women in diverse healthcare settings.
Authors: Gordon Cs Smith; Alexandros A Moraitis; David Wastlund; Jim G Thornton; Aris Papageorghiou; Julia Sanders; Alexander Ep Heazell; Stephen C Robson; Ulla Sovio; Peter Brocklehurst; Edward Cf Wilson Journal: Health Technol Assess Date: 2021-02 Impact factor: 4.014
Authors: Nadia Bardien; Clare L Whitehead; Stephen Tong; Antony Ugoni; Susan McDonald; Susan P Walker Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-01-05 Impact factor: 3.240