Impact of the fetal pulse oximetry on the obstetrical decision in the theoretical setting.

Objective: to assess whether fetal oxymetry reduces the intervention rate in a "theoretical setting".

Study design: Data bank including 93 cases where a fetal oxymetry had been used for suspicion of fetal distress. Subjects-Two sets of labor charts were constructed for each case. One included relevant data with the saturometry, the other included relevant data without the saturometry.

Intervention: Theoretical setting: 3 obstetricians, unaware of study aim of the obstetrical outcomes. Each case was presented first without the saturometry; in a second reading, its result was available.

Outcomes: Number of extractions. Consensus between experts.

Statistics: descriptive and paired non parametric tests.

Results: The global intervention rate was lower (47% versus 52%; p<0.05) and the consensus higher, using monitoring and saturometry than using monitoring only.

Conclusion: In a theoretical setting, the use of saturometry in suspicious cardiotocography (CTG) may help reduce the risk of invasive procedures.