Intrapartum fetal acidosis in preterm infants: fetal monitoring and long-term morbidity.

Fetal heart rate (FHR) and fetal acid-base status were studied prospectively in 61 patients in preterm labor of unknown etiology. Neonatal data were analyzed, and all surviving infants participated in a follow-up study for at least two years. Ominous FHR patterns correlated well with fetal acidosis. Infants with fetal acidosis (pH less than 7.25 in scalp blood) had more neurologic abnormalities in the neonatal period and a higher rate of neurodevelopmental disabilities at the follow-up than nonacidotic infants of the same gestational weeks. In the surveillance of patients in preterm labor electronic fetal monitoring is mandatory. At late or pronounced variable decelerations, pH analysis of fetal scalp blood should be performed immediately. If not available, prompt abdominal delivery is recommended.