COMPARISON OF NORMAL AND ABNORMAL CTG TRACINGS IN LABOUR IN TERMS OF PREGNANCY AND EARLY NEONATAL OUTCOME
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/Keywords:
Cardiotocography, fetal heart rate monitoring, cesarean section, neonatal outcomes, Apgar score, NICU admission, fetal distress.Abstract
Introduction:
Cardiotocography (CTG) is a crucial tool in monitoring fetal well-being during labor, helping detect fetal distress and guiding timely interventions. Abnormal CTG tracings often indicate potential complications and necessitate clinical interventions such as cesarean sections. This study aims to compare the pregnancy and early neonatal outcomes between patients with normal and abnormal CTG tracings during labor.
Methodology:
This comparative, observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Batra Hospital, New Delhi. A total of 100 patients in active labor were enrolled, with 50 having normal CTG tracings (Group A) and 50 having abnormal CTG tracings (Group B). Data collected included mode of delivery, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, birth weight, NICU admissions, and perinatal mortality. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square and t-tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant.
Results:
Patients in the abnormal CTG group had a significantly higher rate of cesarean sections (68% vs. 44%, p = 0.004), particularly due to fetal distress (79% vs. 18%, p = 0.00). Neonates in the abnormal CTG group were more likely to have Apgar scores below 7 at 1 minute (50% vs. 6%, p = 0.00) and 5 minutes (28% vs. 4%, p = 0.001). NICU admissions were also significantly higher in the abnormal CTG group (28% vs. 6%, p = 0.003). Low birth weight (<2.5 kg) was more common in the abnormal CTG group (28% vs. 8%, p = 0.009), while perinatal mortality, though higher in the abnormal CTG group, was not statistically significant (4% vs. 0%, p = 0.15).
