Abstract
Objective
We sought to determine whether meconium-stained amniotic fluid is based on chronic hypoxia or not? In case of chronic hypoxia, higher red blood cell (Rbc) count and/or total hemoglobin levels (Hgb) and/or higher fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and/or lower adult hemoglobin (HbA) levels were expected when compared with controls.
Design
Case–control study.
Setting
Obstetric unit of a tertiary ministry of health hospital.
Sample
Fifty singleton pregnancies with meconium-stained amniotic fluid and 50 singleton pregnancies with clear amniotic fluid at all stages of labor.
Methods
Umbilical cord blood samples were collected for determination of total blood parameters and hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Main outcome measures
Red blood cell count, total hemoglobin, fetal and adult hemoglobin contents (HbF and HbA).
Results
Red blood cell count, total hemoglobin, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and adult hemoglobin (HbA) contents were not different between meconium stained and clear amniotic fluid groups.
Conclusion
These results suggest that meconium passage may not be associated with chronic fetal hypoxia as demonstrated by similar red blood cell count, total hemoglobin values and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and adult hemoglobin (HbA) contents.
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Simsek, A., Celen, S., İslimye, M. et al. A long-standing incomprehensible matter of obstetrics: meconium-stained amniotic fluid, a new approach to reason. Arch Gynecol Obstet 278, 559–563 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-008-0627-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-008-0627-2