Publication:

Comparative efficacy of admission cardiotocography in high risk and low risk pregnancies in predicting neonatal outcome

Background Admission cardiotocography (CTG) is a test of fetal wellbeing performed during labor. A normal CTG is for 20-30 minutes and ranges from 110-160 bpm with beat to beat variability, two accelerations and no decelerations with two contractions (as per NICE 2018 guidelines). To study comparative efficacy of admission CTG in predicting neonatal out in high risk, low risk and universally in all pregnancy.

Methods All high risk as well as low risk patients coming to labor room in labor were included in the study. CTG print was taken, and neonatal outcome as NICU admission were noted after taking written consent.

Results 189 cases were taken.138 were high risk cases, CTG was taken: 91were reassuring, 47were abnormal (non-reassuring +abnormal). In terms of NICU admission, 21 and 26 neonates were admitted. Out of 51 low risk cases, 33 had reassuring CTG, and18 had abnormal; 7and 6 was the number of NICU admission, respectively. When compared, highest sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 55.31%, 77% and 55.3% was seen in high risk pregnancy, whereas negative predictive value (78.8%) was slightly higher in low risk cases.

Conclusions Admission CTG is a good predictor of neonatal outcome. Its predictive efficacy is more in high risk cases. It’s practicality in revealing poor neonatal outcome is more.