Meningitis, ventriculitis, and hydrocephalus: a complication of fetal monitoring.

A case is presented of meningitis, ventriculitis, and hydrocephalus secondary to the use of fetal scalp monitoring. The most commonly reported fetal complication related to the application of the scalp electrode is the development of a scalp abscess; the incidence varies between 0.45 and 4.5%, but several other complications have also been reported and the overall incidence is not well established. Infants in whom a scalp electrode has been used should be carefully examined to detect potential serious complications.