CORRELATION OF MECONIUM-STAINED AMNIOTIC-FLUID, EARLY INTRAPARTUM FETAL PH, AND APGAR SCORES AS PREDICTORS OF PERINATAL OUTCOME

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 56  (5) , 604-609
Abstract
A study was undertaken to determine if the passage of meconium during the early intrapartum period (cervical dilation 3 cm or less), the type of meconium passed (thick vs. thin) and fetal pH values could be correlated with Apgar scores as a predictor of neonatal outcome. Patients (177) had meconium-stained amniotic fluid and a cervical dilatation of 3 cm or less at admission. Group 1 (thick meconium) had lower 1 and 5 min Apgar scores, lower scalp pH values and increased risk factors, such as prolonged pregnancy, small-for-gestational-age fetus and fetal heart rate abnormalities. Group 2 (thin meconium) and the control group (nonmeconium) appeared to have no increased associated risks. Thick meconium as a single variable appeared to be the most significant factor influencing fetal outcome; if an associated fetal heart rate abnormality was present, perinatal morbidity was greatly increased as indicated by fetal acidosis and lower 1 and 5 min Apgar scores. Apparently, early passage of thick meconium does correlate with fetal outcome and increased perinatal morbidity. The significance of meconium passage is discussed and a modern obstetric management scheme for these high-risk patients presented.

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