Comparison of Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Profiles Between Preeclamptic and Healthy Mothers
Fatemeh Sadat Najib1, Golnaz Namazi2, Tahereh Poordast2 and Elham Askary3*1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 2Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, OB GYN Department, Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. 3Chief Resident of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OB GYN Department, Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract: Preeclampsia defined as hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestational age is a serious maternal placental pathology leading to fetal hypoxia. Neonatal hypoxia is a potential threat to newborn’s health and mandates exclusive care. Antenatal umbilical artery blood gas is a reliable indicator of fetal hypoxia. The present study aims to compare umbilical cord blood analysis and APGAR score between preeclamptic and healthy mothers 40 singleton pregnant women with preeclampsia were compared with 40 age-matched healthy mothers undergoing caesarean section with gestational age more than 28 weeks who referred to perinatology clinic. Umbilical cord blood gas profile and APGAR scores were compared between the two groups. Umbilical cord pH and O2 pressure were significantly lower in preeclamptic mothers. Although CO2 pressure was considerably lower in control group, the difference did not reach a statistically significant point. Both APGAR score and birth weight were higher in babies of healthy mothers compared to those with preeclampsia. There is strict correlation between umbilical blood gas profile and preeclampsia which can reliably propose existence of fetal hypoxia. Blood gas analysis of umbilical cord in preeclamptic mothers can determine the requirement of more intensive care to babies of these mothers.
Keywords: Comparison; Cord Blood Gas Profiles; Healthy Mothers Back to TOC