Impact and Contributing Factors of Maternal Pyrexia Peaks During Labor on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

This study aims to equip clinicians with the necessary insights for identifying and managing pregnant women experiencing elevated maternal pyrexia during labor. It examines maternal and neonatal outcomes along with the factors associated with varying peak temperatures. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 319 pregnant women presenting with maternal pyrexia during labor. Participants were categorized into two groups based on peak temperature: Group A (n = 180, temperature <38°C) and Group B (n = 139, temperature ≥38°C). Basic characteristics, blood markers, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. (1) Group B exhibited a higher percentage of neutrophilic granulocytes (NE%) and C-reactive protein to lymphocyte ratio (CLR) compared with Group A (p < 0.05). (2) The rates of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, histological chorioamnionitis, hospitalization of neonates, and infections in neonates were greater in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.05). (3) Logistic regression analysis identified elevated CLR levels as a risk factor for peak temperatures exceeding 38°C, indicating that CLR could serve as a reliable predictor of maternal pyrexia above 38°C during labor. Higher maternal pyrexia peaks may exacerbate adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of timely clinical intervention. NE% and CLR could serve as valuable indicators for identifying underlying causes and predicting peak maternal pyrexia during labor.