Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Characteristics of Nonanomalous Fetuses with Trisomy 21

Abstract

Objective To compare the intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) characteristics and selected birth outcomes of nonanomalous trisomy 21 (T21) fetuses to matched controls.

Study Design Nonanomalous, non-growth-restricted T21 infants were identified and matched by gestational age to presumed euploid controls. We excluded women with scheduled cesarean deliveries and multiple gestations. The incidence of abnormal FHR patterns within 3 hours of delivery and birth outcomes were compared between T21 fetuses and controls. The presence of any abnormal FHR pattern was the primary outcome. Birth outcomes included 5-minute Apgar <7, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and cesarean delivery for fetal indications.

Results Forty-four T21 infants and 44 controls were compared. Of the T21 infants, 83% were postnatally diagnosed. No significant differences were noted in the primary outcome (68% versus 59%, p = 0.37) or birth outcomes.

Conclusion T21 is not associated with an increased incidence of abnormal FHR patterns or adverse birth outcomes compared with presumed euploid fetuses.

Keywords

fetal heart rate monitoring - pregnancy outcomes - trisomy 21

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