Effects of oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation during labor on fetal oxygen status and fetal heart rate patterns
Presented at the National Congress on the State of the Science in Nursing Research, Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, American Academy of Nursing, Washington, DC, Oct. 12-14, 2006, and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses National Convention, Orlando, FL, June 23-27, 2007.
Received 22 July 2007; received in revised form 12 October 2007; accepted 19 December 2007. published online 17 March 2008.
Objective
The objective of the study was to evaluate effects of oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation on fetal oxygen saturation and fetal heart rate patterns.
Study Design
Uterine activity of 56 women was evaluated retrospectively for hyperstimulation lasting 30 minutes using 2 definitions: group 1: 5 or more but less than 6 contractions in 10 minutes (n = 102, 30-minute periods); group 2: 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes (n = 56, 30-minute periods). Fetal oxygen saturation and heart rate patterns during each period and the preceding 30 minutes of less than 5 contractions in 10 minutes were compared.
Results
Hyperstimulation was associated with significant oxygen desaturation: (group 1 = 10.68 [20%] decrease from 52.14 to 41.46; P < .001); group 2 = 15.34 [29%] decrease from 52.02 to 36.68: P < .001) and significantly more nonreassuring fetal heart rate characteristics, compared with normal uterine activity.
Conclusion
Hyperstimulation is associated with negative effects on fetal status. The more contractions in 30 minutes, the more pronounced the effect.
aLabor and Delivery, St John's Mercy Medical Center, St Louis, MO
bDoisy College of Health Sciences School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO.
Reprints: Dr Kathleen Rice Simpson, 7140 Pershing Ave, St Louis, MO 63130.
Cite this article as: Simpson KR, James DC. Effects of oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation during labor on fetal oxygen status and fetal heart rate patterns. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;199:34.e1-34.e5.
This study was supported by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses through a technology grant from Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA; St John's Mercy Medical Center Perinatal Nursing Research Fund; and a Saint Louis University Beaumont Faculty Development Grant.
ABSTRACT
Effects of oxytocin-induced uterine hyperstimulation during labor on fetal oxygen status and fetal heart rate patterns