Fetal scalp blood lactate as an indicator of intrapartum hypoxia

Smith, N., Soutter, W.P., Sharp, F., McColl, J. and Ford, I. (1983) Fetal scalp blood lactate as an indicator of intrapartum hypoxia. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 90(9), pp. 821-831. (doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1983.tb09322.x)

Abstract

Fetal scalp blood lactate was measured during labour by a simple, rapid method and its value as an indicator of fetal intrauterine hypoxia was assessed and compared with that of pH measurement. The normal ranges of lactate concentration and of pH values were calculated. Significantly higher concentrations of lactate and lower pH values were found in samples of scalp blood taken close to delivery from babies with Apgar scores of ≤6 at 1 min compared with those from healthy babies with Apgar scores of ≥7 at 1 min. A similarly significant difference was observed between the cord blood lactate and pH values of these two groups of babies. Ominous fetal heart rate patterns were associated with higher lactate concentrations and lower pH values in fetal scalp blood than were normal fetal heart rate patterns. The measurement of fetal scalp blood lactate or pH, or continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring were equally good at predicting the condition of the infant at birth.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McColl, Professor John and Ford, Professor Ian
• Authors: Smith, N., Soutter, W.P., Sharp, F., McColl, J., and Ford, I.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; ?? 20206000 ??; College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Statistics
• Journal Name: British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0306-5456
• ISSN (Online): 1471-0528
• Published Online: 23 August 2005