Scalp infection after fetal monitoring in labour.

Neonatal scalp infection was reviewed over a four year period. The occurrence of such infection was found to be 0.14% of those infants monitored in labour using a spiral scalp electrode and 0.16% of those infants undergoing instrumental delivery. The duration of labour and the membrane-rupture delivery interval did not differ significantly from the total population. Scalp infection after monitoring occurred significantly later (day seven) than after instrumental delivery (day three) and was less often associated with positive bacterial cultures. Scalp damage is probably important in the aetiology of scalp infection, and the course of infection related to the degree of trauma.