Maternal oxygen administration for suspected impaired fetal growth

Abstract

Background: Fetal hypoxaemia is often a feature of fetal growth impairment. It has been suggested that perinatal outcome after suspected impaired fetal growth might be improved by giving mothers continuous oxygen until delivery. Objectives: The objective was to assess the effects of maternal oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth on fetal growth and perinatal outcome. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (June 2009). Selection criteria: Acceptably controlled trials comparing maternal oxygen therapy with no oxygen therapy in suspected impaired fetal growth. Data collection and analysis: Eligibility and trial quality was assessed. Main results : Three studies involving 94 women were included. Oxygenation compared with no oxygenation was associated with a lower perinatal mortality rate (risk ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 0.81). However, higher gestational age in the oxygenation groups may have accounted for the difference in mortality rates. Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.