Comparison of neonatal outcome in laboring patients with fetal distress on cardiotocography having clear liquor versus meconium-stained liquor.

Abstract

Objective: To compare neonatal outcomes in laboring patients with fetal distress on CTG who had either clear or meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Study Design: Comparative Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Gynecology, MNCH Hospital Faisalabad. Period: July 2024 to December 2024. Methods: Included 158 laboring patients diagnosed with fetal distress on CTG, divided into two groups: Group A (clear liquor, n=79) and Group B (meconium-stained liquor, n=79). Fetal distress was defined by CTG abnormalities, and neonatal outcomes were assessed based on the Apgar score (<7 at 5 minutes) and NICU admission within 12 hours of birth. Stratified analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of demographic and clinical variables. Results: The groups were comparable in terms of age, gestational age, parity, duration of labor, and mode of delivery. Poor Apgar scores were observed in 59.5% of Group A and 57.0% of Group B (p = 0.747). NICU admissions were slightly higher in Group B (69.6%) compared to Group A (65.8%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.610). Stratified analyses showed no significant differences in neonatal outcomes based on demographic or clinical factors. Conclusion: This study found no significant differences in neonatal outcomes between patients with fetal distress on CTG and clear or meconium-stained liquor. The findings emphasize the importance of individualized labor management and suggest that MSAF, while a potential risk factor, does not independently dictate adverse outcomes when CTG abnormalities are present.