Core Concepts
Shortage of fetal scalp electrodes poses risks to fetal safety due to inadequate heart rate monitoring.
Abstract
The article discusses the global shortage of fetal scalp electrodes, impacting internal fetal heart rate monitoring and potentially leading to adverse perinatal outcomes. Key points include:
- Recall of 1.7 million electrodes by Philips due to breakage issues.
- Risks associated with inadequate fetal heart rate monitoring.
- Impact on patients with high BMI or in the second stage of labor.
- Signal ambiguity with external monitoring leading to potential complications.
- Association with fetal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
- Alert by ECRI warning of higher rates of elective caesarean deliveries.
- Supply chain problems affecting the availability of compatible electrodes.
- Recommendations for internal monitoring as a response to signal ambiguity.
- Philips' response to the shortage and potential solutions.
Stats
Philips recalled 1.7 million electrodes due to breakage issues.
Cardinal Health, the US supplier, reported supply problems and no stock until August.
Philips had "less than 30 reports" of tip failures requiring surgical intervention.
Quotes
"The shortage poses risks to patients due to inadequate fetal heart rate monitoring."
"Signal ambiguity can mask an abnormal fetal heart rate or even fetal death."