Vaginally born low-risk preterm infants: fetal acidosis and outcome at 6 years of age.

In a population of vaginally born low-risk preterm infants fetal acidosis (scalp pH less than 7.20) was found in 50% (6 out of 12) of infants of 29-33 weeks' gestational age (Group I) and in 9% (2 of 22) infants of 34-36 weeks' gestational age (Group II). At 6-7 years of age the children underwent a neurodevelopmental examination including a Griffith test. Five out of 6 Group I infants with fetal acidosis and 10 out of 20 Group II infants without fetal acidosis had minor or moderate neurodevelopmental problems. On the Griffith test Group II infants scored below Group I with more coordination and fine motor problems on the tested subscales. Fetal acidosis was more common in very preterm infants but cannot be used per se as a reliable indicator of long-term outcome.