COMPARISON OF NORMAL AND SUSPICIOUS CARDIOTOCOGRAPHY WITH PREGNANCY OUTCOME

Abstract

Background: Cardiotocography (CTG) is widely used for intrapartum fetal monitoring; however, the clinical significance of suspicious CTG patterns remains uncertain. Methods: This hospital-based observational study included 200 pregnant women in labour who underwent CTG monitoring. Participants were categorized into normal and suspicious CTG groups (n=100 each). Maternal and neonatal outcomes, including mode of delivery, meconium-stained liquor, Apgar scores, NICU admission, and neonatal resuscitation, were compared using chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Meconium-stained liquor was significantly higher in the suspicious CTG group (55/100, 55.0%) compared to the normal group (15/100, 15.0%) (p<0.001). Caesarean section was more frequent in suspicious CTG (55/100, 55.0%) versus normal CTG (15/100, 15.0%), while vaginal delivery was lower (30/100, 30.0% vs 80/100, 80.0%) (p<0.001). Low Apgar score (<7 at 5 minutes) was observed in 35/100 (35.0%) of suspicious CTG cases compared to 5/100 (5.0%) in normal CTG (p<0.001). NICU admission occurred in 40/100 (40.0%) versus 10/100 (10.0%) (p<0.001), and neonatal resuscitation was required in 45/100 (45.0%) versus 15/100 (15.0%) (p<0.001). Stillbirth was observed only in the suspicious CTG group (2/100, 2.0%) (p=0.02). Conclusion: Suspicious CTG is strongly associated with adverse intrapartum and neonatal outcomes. Early identification and appropriate clinical intervention are essential to improve perinatal outcomes while minimizing unnecessary operative deliveries.