The oxytocin challenge test and antepartum fetal assessment
Baskett, T.F.; Sandy, E.A.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 84(1): 39-43
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0306-5456 PMID: 843470 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1977.tb12464.xDocument Number: 399522
The oxytocin challenge test (OCT) was performed 537 times on 364 high-risk patients over a three-year period. It was shown that a positive test had a highly significant correlation with a worsened perinatal outcome as measured by stillbirth rate, fetal distress in labour, intrauterine growth retardation, Apgar scores and the need for neonatal resuscitation and intensive care. However, one-third of positive tests were falsely positive when tested by labour. A negative test proved reassuring for a further week of intrauterine life in 98.2 per cent of cases. The role of the OCT in antepartum fetal monitoring is discussed.