Continuous fetal pH monitoring and neonatal Apgar score.

Results of continuous fetal tissue pH monitoring were compared to neonatal APGAR scores one minute after delivery in 81 successful tissue pH recordings. The sensitivity of the method (i.e. the ability of the method to find the low APGAR neonates) was 67 per cent using an APGAR score limit between 8 and 9 and a pH limit between 7.20 and 7.21. The specificity (i.e. the ability of the method to find the high APGAR neonates) was 73 per cent using the same limits. The sensitivity and specificity of continuous pH monitoring was equal to or better than the sensitivity and specificity of cardiotocography and discontinuous pH measurements on fetal scalp blood using APGAR score limits between 6 and 7. It is concluded that all fetal monitoring should include monitoring of the fetal pH when a pH electrode which can be used as a routine instrument has been developed. Unfortunately, such an electrode has not been developed yet.