Cord Blood Lactate Level: A Predictor of Neonatal Mortality in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

Naresh Kumar, Preeti Malhotra, Simrat Kaur, Gagandeep Kaur

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) can lead to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Lactate levels are routinely measured using a blood gas analyzer. Maternal venous blood is used as the sample for this analysis, and hence, the fetal lactate level cannot be determined. But, fetal lactate level is a key factor in the prediction of neonatal mortality in women with PIH. Hence, the degree of fetal lactic acidosis is measured using the umbilical vein blood sample.

Aim: To assess the role of umbilical venous lactate level in the early prediction of neonatal mortality in women with PIH

Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted between February 2019 and July 2020. A total of 80 pregnant women with PIH were enrolled, and the outcomes of their neonates were observed. The cord blood lactate levels were measured. The data were statistically analyzed using the Student’s t test.

Results: There was a significant correlation between high cord blood lactate level, low Apgar score, mode of oxygen support needed, and neonatal mortality.

Conclusion: The cord blood lactate level in neonates born to mothers with PIH was consistently high compared with that in neonates born to normotensive mothers. Thus, cord blood lactate level can be a useful indicator for the prediction of neonatal mortality along with routine tests.