[Experience with fetal pulsoxymetry]

The authors have had the opportunity to do research on an embryonic pulsoxymetre in twenty cases when traditional cardiotocographic observation and clinical symptoms had indicated intrauterine risk. The results obtained have been compared with those of a control group where embryonic pulsoxymetrical observation was not effected. The comparison was effected using the same criteria. The experiment aimed at defining how specific embryonic pulsoxymetrical observation may be if used as a screening method as well as whether its application would decrease the number of Cesarian sections. During the process of pulsoxymetrical observation, with positive change of the embryonic heart function with clear as well as meconium stained amniotic fluid, if the embryonic oxygen saturation reached levels over 30%, no Cesarian section was performed. At a saturation level under 30%, two Cesarian sections were required. In the control group without pulsoxymetrical analysis four Cesarian sections had to be performed. The oxygen saturation level of the umbilical cord artery blood of babies who underwent pulsoxymetrical observation and of those born with a Cesarian delivery were almost the same, the blood pH level was acidotic. On conclusion uterine pulsoxymetrical observation objectively reflects the intrauterine distress through fetal blood oxygenation and consequently, influences the number of Cesarian sections.