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. 2000;2003(2):CD000137.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000137.

Maternal oxygen administration for suspected impaired fetal growth

A M Gülmezoglu  1 , G J Hofmeyr
Affiliations

Maternal oxygen administration for suspected impaired fetal growth

A M Gülmezoglu et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000.

Update in

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 trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.

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: Two studies involving 62 women were included. Oxygenation compared with no oxygenation was associated with a lower perinatal mortality rate (relative risk 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.78). However higher gestational age in the oxygenation groups may have accounted for the difference in mortality rates.

Reviewer's conclusions: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the benefits and risks of maternal oxygen therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Maternal oxygen therapy versus no treatment, Outcome 1 Perinatal mortality.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Maternal oxygen therapy versus no treatment, Outcome 2 Birthweight.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

References to studies included in this review

Battaglia 1992 {published data only}
    1. Battaglia C, Artini PG, D'Ambrogio G, Galli PA, Segre A, Genazzani AR. Maternal hyperoxygenation in the treatment of intrauterine growth retardation. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1992;167:430‐5. - PubMed
Johanson 1995 {published data only}
    1. Johanson R, Lindow S, Elst C, Westhuizen S, Tucker A, Jaquire Z. RCT of maternal oxygen therapy for in‐utero asphyxia. Proceedings of 2nd International Scientific Meeting of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; 1993 Sept 7‐10; Hong Kong. 1993:168.
    1. Johanson R, Lindow SW, Elst C, Jaquire Z, Westhuizen S, Tucker A. A prospective randomised comparison of the effect of continuous O2 therapy and bedrest on fetuses with absent end‐diastolic flow on umbilical artery Doppler waveform analysis. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1995;102:662‐5. - PubMed
Lindow 2002 {published data only}
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    1. Lindow SW, Mantel GD, Anthony J, Coetzee EJ. A double‐blind randomised controlled trial of continuous oxygen therapy for compromised fetuses. BJOG: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology 2002;109:509‐13. - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Battaglia 1994 {published data only}
    1. Battaglia C, Artini PG, D'Ambrogio G, Bencini S, Galli PA, Genazzani AR. Maternal hyperoxygenation in the treatment of mild intrauterine growth retardation: a pilot study. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology 1994;4:472‐5. - PubMed
Nicolaides 1988 {published data only}
    1. Nicolaides KH. Randomized prospective study on maternal hyperoxygenation vs bed rest in the treatment of second trimester hypoxic fetal growth retardation. Personal communication 1988.
Rasanen 1998 {published data only}
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Tervila 1973a {published data only}
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Tervila 1973b {published data only}
    1. Tervila L, Vartiainen E, Kivalo I, Finnila M‐J, Vayrynen M. The effect of oxygen ventilation and a vasodilator on uterine perfusion, fetal oxygen and acid‐base balance. II. A study in abnormal gravidae. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica 1973;52:309‐15. - PubMed
Young 1980 {published data only}
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Zhang 1997 {published data only}
    1. Zhang L. The effects of essential fatty acids preparation in the treatment of intrauterine growth retardation. American Journal of Perinatology 1997;14(9):535‐7. - PubMed

Additional references

Bernstein 2000
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Lin 1998
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Nicolaides 1987
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Resnik 2002
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References to other published versions of this review

Gülmezoglu 2002
    1. Gülmezoglu AM, Hofmeyr GJ. Maternal oxygen administration for suspected impaired fetal growth. The Cochrane Library 2002, Issue 2. - PubMed

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