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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia
Published on: October 11, 2011
Limitations in the clinical prediction of intrapartum fetal asphyxia
J A Low1, L L Simpson, G Tonni
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Objective:
Our purpose was to demonstrate the predictive value of clinical risk scoring and fetal assessment for intrapartum fetal asphyxia.
Study Design:
Intrapartum fetal asphyxia was defined by an umbilical artery buffer base < 34 mmol/L. The predictive value of 20 antepartum and intrapartum risk factors was examined in 1909 consecutive pregnancies. The predictive value of clinical risk factors with periodic fetal assessment was examined in a second population of 100 consecutive pregnancies with biochemically determined intrapartum fetal asphyxia.
Results:
The incidence of intrapartum was 2.3%. Two problems were apparent in these studies. A significant proportion of intrapartum fetal asphyxia occurred in pregnancies with no risk factors. The positive predictive value of clinical risk factors was low, 3%, resulting in a large number of false positives requiring clarification.
Conclusion:
Screening and fetal assessment methods must be improved to ensure the early recognition of intrapartum fetal asphyxia that may require intervention during labor to avoid morbidity and mortality.
