Main Article Content
Saqiba Khan
Muqddas Niaz
Rabia Bashir
Istehsan Ahmad
Atta Ul Rehman Saadi
Shehryar Haider
Keywords
Abnormal cardiotocograph (CTG), Adverse fetal outcomes, Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, Apgar score, Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), Emergency cesarean section
Abstract
Background: Abnormal cardiotocograph (CTG) patterns during labor are significant indicators of potential fetal distress, necessitating timely clinical interventions to mitigate adverse outcomes.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency of adverse fetal outcomes in females presenting with abnormal CTG readings.
Methods: A cohort of 90 women with singleton pregnancies at term and abnormal CTG patterns, defined by FIGO criteria, were monitored during labor. Demographic data, obstetric history, and clinical outcomes were recorded. The primary outcomes measured were Apgar scores less than 7 at 5 minutes, NICU admissions, neonatal seizures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and perinatal death. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.5 ± 4.2 years, with an average gestational age of 39.1 ± 1.2 weeks. Primiparous women constituted 46.7% of the sample. Adverse outcomes included low Apgar scores in 16.7% of cases, NICU admissions in 20.0%, neonatal seizures in 4.4%, HIE in 3.3%, and perinatal deaths in 2.2%. Pathological CTG patterns were significantly associated with higher NICU admission rates (p = 0.04). Emergency cesarean sections were performed in 38.9% of cases.
Conclusion: Abnormal CTG patterns were significantly associated with adverse fetal outcomes, highlighting the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely intervention to improve neonatal health. Further studies and standardized protocols are recommended to enhance CTG interpretation and clinical management.
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