Effect of Intrapartum Maternal Hemoglobin on Mode of Delivery and Short-Term Neonatal Outcome: A Systematic Review

Importance: Maternal anemia in pregnancy is a common condition worldwide and is considered a risk factor for adverse neonatal and maternal outcome. Also high hemoglobin (Hb) levels are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, studies regarding the influence of intrapartum maternal Hb on mode of delivery and short-term neonatal outcome are limited and contradicting.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide an overview of current evidence regarding associations between intrapartum maternal Hb levels and mode of delivery and short-term neonatal outcome. In addition, we propose directions for future research.

Evidence Acquisition: We systematically searched the electronic PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies on maternal Hb levels and mode of delivery maternal and short-term neonatal outcome until January 2021. Eligible articles and their references were independently reviewed by 2 authors. Assessment was based on methodological quality and study results.

Results: We included 14 studies that evaluated the level of maternal pH in relation to clinical outcome, 6 studies on mode of delivery, 10 studies on Apgar score, 1 study on fetal distress, 2 studies on neonatal intensive care unit admission, 1 study on umbilical cord pH, and 5 studies on perinatal mortality.

Conclusions And Relevance: We found a trend toward an increased risk of cesarean delivery in anemic woman. Concerning the short-term neonatal outcomes, the evidence is conflicting, and included studies are too heterogenic to compare. Furthermore, various studies indicated a relation between high Hb levels and increased perinatal mortality. Therefore, we especially recommend attention to elevated Hb levels.