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Randomised evaluation of a prototype suction fetal scalp electrode
Article first published online: 19 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1996.tb09798.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 103, Issue 6, pages 513–517, June 1996
Additional Information
How to Cite
Metin, A., Cheryl, V., Hofmeyr, G. J. and Bunn, A. E. (1996), Randomised evaluation of a prototype suction fetal scalp electrode. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 103: 513–517. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1996.tb09798.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 19 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 19 AUG 2005
- Received 22 August 1994 Revised versions received 20 June 1995 & 20 November 1995 Accepted 17 December 1995
- Abstract
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Objective To compare the performance and acceptability of a prototype suction fetal scalp electrode with that of a double helix spiral electrode.
Setting An urban academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Design Randomised, by means of sealed opaque envelopes opened consecutively.
Participants One hundred women in active labour with an indication for direct fetal heart rate monitoring.
Intervention Application of a fetal scalp electrode to the presenting part.
Outcome measures Performance of the electrodes with respect to application success, detachment, quality of the tracings, scalp trauma and women's preferences.
Results Application of the suction electrode was unsuccessful in 15/50 (30%) compared to 1/50 (2%) with the spiral electrode. Detachment rates were similar. There were more tracings of average quality with the suction electrode (nine versus four). There were three instances of scalp bleeding at delivery with the spiral electrode. The suction electrode was preferred by more women and its application caused somewhat less discomfort.
Conclusions The lower rate of successful application with the suction electrode needs to be weighed against the advantage of avoiding fetal scalp penetration. In particular, women's concerns about pain or harm to the baby from needle electrodes, the theoretical risk of viral transmission, and the risk of serious scalp infection must be considered. These factors favour the use of a suction electrode when direct fetal heart rate monitoring is required. Needle electrodes should be considered when suction electrode application is unsuccessful. Correction of practical problems experienced with the prototype suction electrodes used in this study may result in improved success rates.