Fetal scalp abscess secondary to intrauterine monitoring.

Thirty-one cases of fetal scalp abscess secondary to internal fetal monitoring over a 32 month period were reviewed. The over-all incidence was 1:230 monitored labors, or 0.4 per cent. Twenty-nine infants were cultured, with no growth in 10, Staphylococcus epidermidis in 11, and pathogenic organisms in the remainder. Gram stains of the exudates generally supported the culture results. All cases responded to drainage, local care, and systemic antibiotics, with no deaths. One case of osteomyelitis of the skull was confirmed roentgenographically. A strong correlation between prolonged rupture of the membranes and scalp abscess was observed, but no definite infectious origin was confirmed. The etiology of scalp abscess secondary to monitoring remains obscure.