Introducing routine fetal scalp blood analysis (FSBA) for suspicious or pathologic fetal heart rate – effect on mode of delivery, fetal and maternal outcome

Introduction: Despite a good sensitivity (80 – 91%) for fetal hypoxia or acidosis, specificity of fetal heart rate (FHR) analysis is low (9 – 63%). Fetal scalp blood analysis (FSBA) is a complementary tool for the interpretation of pathologic FHR. However FSBA is an invasive procedure and could lead to complications. In this study we investigated the effect of introducing FSBA as an additional tool used in clinical routine for non-reassuring FHR on fetal and maternal outcome. Material and methods: In a retrospective single institution observational study all deliveries between 2006 and 2011 were reviewed. The an…