Infection of fetal scalp electrode monitoring sites.

Complications caused by placement of a fetal scalp electrode include trauma, hemorrhage and infection. Infections are usually localized and self-limited, but they can occasionally lead to serious complications, such as osteomyelitis, sepsis and death. The recommended treatment for a scalp abscess is incision and drainage, followed by appropriate antibiotic therapy. If a serious infection is suspected, the infant should be hospitalized, blood cultures obtained and intravenous antibiotic therapy initiated.