The Outcomes of the Neonates Delivered by Cesarean Section for Fetal Distress

Kim, D Y; Park, K H; Cha, M Y; Seo, J S; Yoo, T H; Cho, Y K; Choi, H; Kim, B R; Lee, H K

Abstract

Over the past 2 decades, the use of fetal heart rate monitoring has been paralleled by the increased Cesarean section rate. And the physician may choose the option of a ""safe"" Cesarean section over allowing a labor to continue with any sign or possibility of fetal or maternal stress during labor. This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcomes of the neonates delivered by Cesarean section for fetal distress. In this study, we reviewed the clinical records of 168 patients who had had Cesarean section for fetal distress at the department of obstetrics and gynecology in Sanggye Paik Hospital, InJe university from Jan. 1993 to Dec. 1995. The results were as follows : 1. The number of neonates with low Apgar score of 1 minute[< 7] was 59[35%] and that with low Apgar score of 5 minute[< 7] was 19[11%]. 2. About two thirds of cases[64.9%] were associated with one or more obstetric complications and the complications were meconium staining, preterm delivery, small for dates, and premature rupture of membranes,etc. These were significantly increased in the study group. 3. The number of neonates with low Apgar score of 1 minute and 5 minute was significantly increased in a group with gestational age below 37 weeks, and in a group with birth weight below 2,500 gm. 4. Various kinds of neonatal complications such as respiratory problems,neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, acute gastroenteritis, jaundice, and skin infection were significantly increased in the neonates delivered by Cesarean section for fetal distress. 5. Perinatal mortality was significantly increased in the neonates delivered by Cesarean section for fetal distress. From the above results, we concluded that neonatal complications, low Apgar score, and perinatal mortality rates were increased in the neonates delivered by Cesarean section for fetal distress.