Long-term infant subcutaneous retention of a fragment of fetal scalp electrode following caesarean section.

The authors present the case of an uncommon yet potentially fatal complication after the use of a scalp electrode for intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring. A 25-year-old nulliparous woman in spontaneous term labour had a fetal scalp electrode applied and subsequently required an emergency cesarean section. After discharge home, the mother noticed a swelling on her baby's head, where the scalp electrode had been attached. Healthcare providers neglected the mother's repeated concerns about the nature of the swelling. Seven months later, a metal spiral was expelled from the baby's head which appeared to be a broken part of the scalp electrode. The remaining metal was removed with no further signs or complications. We are aware of only a few similar cases which have been reported in the published literature.