Maternal glucose administration for facilitating tests of fetal wellbeing

Tan KH, Sabapathy A

Published Online:

October 7, 2009

There is no evidence that antenatal maternal glucose administration make tests of fetal wellbeing more effective.

Tests on unborn babies such as ultrasound and heart rate testing are carried out to check their wellbeing. As a baby's sleep periods can alter those results, various methods are used to wake the baby. Antenatal maternal glucose administration is one of the methods. The review of two trials, involving 708 participants, did not find this method to be effective. Research on antenatal maternal glucose administration should take into consideration that there have not been any benefits demonstrated as yet.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Antenatal maternal glucose administration has been suggested to improve the efficiency of antepartum fetal heart rate testing.

Objectives:

The objective of this review was to assess the merits or adverse effects of antenatal maternal glucose administration in conjunction with tests of fetal wellbeing.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (May 2009).

Selection criteria:

All published and unpublished randomized controlled trials assessing the merits of antenatal maternal (oral or intravenous) glucose administration in conjunction with tests of fetal wellbeing.

Data collection and analysis:

Both review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Authors of published and unpublished trials were contacted for further information.

Main results:

A total of two trials, involving 708 participants, were included. Antenatal maternal glucose administration did not decrease the incidence of non-reactive antenatal cardiotocography tests.

Authors' conclusions:

Antenatal maternal glucose administration has not been shown to reduce non-reactive cardiotocography. More trials are needed to further substantiate this and to determine not only the optimum dose, but also to evaluate the efficacy, predictive reliability, safety and perinatal outcome of glucose administration in conjunction with cardiotocography and also other tests of fetal wellbeing.

This record should be cited as:

Tan KH, Sabapathy A. Maternal glucose administration for facilitating tests of fetal wellbeing. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2001, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003397. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003397

Assessed as up to date:

May 31, 2009

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Primary Review Group:

Pregnancy and Childbirth Group

Health topics:

Pregnancy & childbirth > Fetal assessment before labour > Impaired fetal growth & well-being

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Maternal glucose administration for facilitating tests of fetal wellbeing

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