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Correlation of fetal heart rate patterns and fetal pH with neonatal outcome.

Fetal monitoring data in 200 consecutive cases was evaluated in the second hour prior to delivery to determine how neonatal outcome could be most accurately predicted. It was found that the correlation between ominous fetal heart rate-uterine contraction (FHR-UC) patterns and a depressed Apgar score at 1 minute was, at best, 37%. However, where the last fetal scalp blood pH (FSB-pH) was less than or equal to 7.2, neonatal depression occurred in 88% of cases. FSB-pH, therefore, provided a more reliable means of diagnosing fetal distress.

Apgar Score↗

Intrapartum fetal heart rate profiles with and without fetal asphyxia.

Fetal heart rate profiles for periods up to 12 hours prior to delivery have been reviewed in 515 patients with a fetus at risk. Mechanisms other than fetal asphyxia will cause fetal heart rate decelerations, and fetal asphyxia may in some instances develop in the absence of total or late decelerations. However, an increasing incidence of total decelerations and late decelerations and particularly a marked pattern of total decelerations and late decelerations are of value in the prediction of fetal asphyxia. Fetal heart rate deceleration patterns can predict the probability of fetal asphyxia at the time of initial intervention, while a progression of fetal heart rate deceleration patterns in the individual fetus can be of assistance in the subsequent scheduling of serial acid-base assessments during labor.

Asphyxia↗

Integrated interpretation of fetal heart rate, intrauterine pressure and fetal transcutaneous PO2.

By a study of the patterns of changes and the temporal relationship in fetal heart rate, intrauterine pressure, fetal tcPO2 and 'flow', a series of ten typical examples of combined patterns are described. Fetal tcPO2 is affected by the level of the fetal oxygenation and by the blood flow beneath the electrode. Should the latter be below a certain critical level fetal tcPO2 will be lower than fetal scalp blood PO2. By the integrated analysis of the four simultaneously recorded variables the different factors dominating fetal tcPO2 may be identified.

Female↗

Intrapartum auscultation of the fetal heart rate.

A fetal heart rate recording containing a variable deceleration was played for 120 physicians and nurses. Although mean estimates for baseline and nadir of the fetal heart rate and duration of the deceleration were not significantly different from the actual values, individual estimates of the three parameters were widely distributed. Adjunctive techniques for intrapartum fetal heart rate auscultation are recommended.

Auscultation↗

Fetal heart rate pattern and postparacervical fetal bradycardia.

Four hundred eight-five fetal monitor patterns were reviewed to correlate the incidence of postparacervical fetal bradycardia with the preceding fetal heart rate pattern. Three hundred and one patients received a total of 408 paracervical blocks, with an overall incidence of bradycardia of 11.3%. Patients with reassuring patterns had an incidence of 8.4%, those with concerning patterns 20%, and those with very concerning patterns 39.1%. Restricting the use of paracervical anesthesia to patients with reassuring fetal heart rate patterns should minimize this complication of obstetric anesthesia.

Anesthesia, Obstetrical↗

Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring as a predictor of fetal distress and immediate neonatal condition in low-birth weight (less than or equal to 1,800 grams) infants.

Among 1,318 live born infants delivered in our institution during a 120-day period, 1,025 (77.8%) were monitored electronically. Of the 1,025 monitored infants, 89 were of low birth weight (less than or equal to 1,800 gm) and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Twenty-seven (30%) of these had abnormal fetal heart rate tracings. The remaining 62 (70%) had normal fetal heart rate tracings. Of the 27 low-birth weight neonates with an abnormal fetal heart rate tracing, 24 (89%) were asphyxiated, whereas of those 62 low-birth weight infants with a normal fetal heart rate tracing, only nine (14%) had asphyxia (p less than 0.001). Of the 27 low-birth weight neonates with abnormal fetal heart rate tracings, 20 (74%) developed hyaline membrane disease, whereas of the 62 low-birth weight neonates with normal fetal heart rate tracings, 10 (16%) developed hyaline membrane disease (p less than 0.001). The results of this study suggest that electronic fetal monitoring provides a specific and sensitive method for identifying those low-birth weight infants who are at high risk for asphyxia and hyaline membrane disease.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗

Sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern with intrapartum fetal death.

A case of sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern with intrapartum fetal death is presented. This pattern has been observed infrequently during both the antepartum and intrapartum periods. Not all sinusoidal patterns may be ominous. A reasonable plan of management includes maternal position change, oxygen administration, scalp sampling and preparation for immediate delivery.

Adult↗

Intrapartum Doppler velocimetry, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal heart rate as predictors of subsequent fetal distress. I. An initial report.

This study examines the usefulness of umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry, amniotic fluid volume assessment, and fetal heart rate data in the early intrapartum period as predictors of subsequent fetal distress. A total of 109 patients seen in the latent phase of labor in the labor and delivery area were studied. Both an abnormal initial fetal heart rate and an amniotic fluid index less than or equal to 5.0 cm were associated with a significant increase in the incidence of intrapartum fetal distress. Conversely, a systolic/diastolic ratio greater than 3.0 by Doppler ultrasonography was not associated with increased fetal morbidity. Overall, the sensitivities, specificities, and positive predictive values of the fetal heart rate tracing and the amniotic fluid volume assessment were comparable. Doppler systolic/diastolic ratios showed very poor sensitivity and positive predictive value. We conclude that the fetal heart rate tracing or the assessment of amniotic fluid volume in the early intrapartum period are reasonable predictors of subsequent fetal condition. The lack of patients with the absence of or reverse umbilical velocity preclude conclusions with regard to Doppler systolic/diastolic ratios for this purpose.

Adolescent↗

Computerized analysis of fetal heart rate variation in postterm pregnancy: prediction of intrapartum fetal distress and fetal acidosis.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate whether computerized analysis of fetal heart rate variation may improve fetal surveillance in postterm pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Three hundred thirty-seven pregnant women who were delivered after 41 weeks' gestation and who had 610 antenatal tests were included in this study. Fetal tests included a nonstress test with a computerized analysis of the fetal heart rate, Doppler examination of the umbilical artery, and a biophysical profile, performed every 2 to 4 days. Induction of labor was performed when the fetal heart rate variation was reduced (< 30 msec), when fetal heart rate decelerations appeared, or when the amniotic fluid index was < or = 5. The results of the fetal surveillance tests were compared with the results of the intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring and with the metabolic status of the babies at delivery. Sensitivity and specificity of the various tests in predicting intrapartum fetal distress and acidosis at delivery were described by means of the receiver-operator characteristic curve. RESULTS: Ten of 12 fetuses with reduced fetal heart rate variation had a trial of labor. Nine of these 10 fetuses had fetal distress during labor. Seven of the 12 fetuses with reduced fetal heart rate variation were acidotic at delivery (umbilical artery pH < 7.2). Overall, there were 10 acidotic fetuses at delivery in the study group. Only two of them had an umbilical systolic/diastolic ratio > 95th percentile, three had an amniotic fluid index < or = 5, and five had fetal heart rate decelerations before labor. Fetuses who demonstrated an abnormal intrapartum fetal heart rate tracing or who were acidotic at delivery had a significantly higher rate of reduced fetal heart rate variation or decelerations before labor. The largest area under the receiver-operator curve curve for predicting fetal acidosis at delivery or fetal distress during labor was achieved by means of computerized analysis of fetal heart rate variation. CONCLUSION: A computerized numeric analysis of fetal heart rate variation may improve fetal surveillance in postterm pregnancy.

Acidosis↗

Electronic monitoring of fetal heart rate and determination of fetal scalp blood pH in prediction of intrapartum fetal distress.

A prospective study on consecutive fetal monitoring in 559 deliveries was carried out. The difference between the first 30-minute and the last 30-minute monitoring was compared. Abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern in the last 30 minutes combined with abnormal fetal scalp blood pH has a good predictability of 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores. The correlation of fetal heart rate-uterine contraction (FHR-UC) monitoring (525 cases) and fetal scalp blood pH determinations (FSB-pH) (79 cases) with the fetal condition was assessed. It is indicated that the first 30-minute FHR tracing can reflect the fetal status in labor, and FHR-UC monitoring assessment is evidently superior to FSB-pH in the prediction of a vigorous fetus. Whereas, FSB-pH is superior to FHR-UC monitoring in the prediction of a compromised fetus.

Apgar Score↗

A combined electrophysiological and anatomical study of the human fetal heart.

Five human fetal hearts of gestational ages ranging from 12 to 16 weeks were studied with both electrophysiological and anatomical techniques. The electrophysiological behavior of these hearts was comparable with results obtained with other animal species and adult human hearts. This indicates that the fetal heart is functionally mature from an early stage of development; however the tissues are not fully differentiated from an anatomical standpoint. Results of mapping experiments indicated that atrial activation occurred through broad wave fronts, and no electrophysiological evidence was found to support the concept of "specialized internodal conduction." In two hearts, the node and bundle were found to be anatomical contiguity with ventricular myocardium throughout their length, but the conducting tissues were already functionally insulated from the ventricles. The results have significance with regard to concepts of the "sudden death in infancy syndrome" and ventricular pre-excitation.

Action Potentials↗

Predictive value of a fetal heart rate acceleration at the time of fetal blood sampling in labour.

It has been suggested that the fetal heart rate response to fetal stimulation in labour is an indication of fetal condition. This study was designed to evaluate scalp stimulation at the time of fetal blood sampling. All labours requiring fetal scalp pH measurement during one year at the John Radcliffe Maternity Hospital were reviewed to determine the association between pH result and the fetal heart rate response to the first scalp blood sample. Sixty-nine (50%) cases showed an acceleration and none had a scalp blood pH less than 7.20. Six (8.7%) of the cases which did not show an acceleration of the fetal heart rate had a pH less than 7.20 and this group had a greater incidence of analgesia usage and twice as many caesarean sections (39%). The detection rate for non-acidaemia using a fetal heart rate acceleration at the time of fetal blood sampling was 52 percent but the specificity and positive predictive value were both 100 percent. The false negative rate was 91 percent. Thus, whilst an acceleration was reassuring, the absence of an acceleration at the time of fetal blood sampling was not a good predictor of fetal acidaemia. These results are compared with the data from four other published reports.

Electrocardiography↗

Sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern in severe fetal anemia from feto-maternal transfusion.

A case is reported where a sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern was found in a fetus at 34 weeks. This pattern, at first isolated and later persistent for several hours, during a normal pregnancy became progressively transformed into a silent pattern. Cesarean delivery then performed resulted in the birth of an infant affected by a severe anemia due to a major feto-maternal transfusion and it died aged 36 h. The authors enquire into the significance of this pattern when found in apparently normal pregnancies, not involving rhesus iso-immunization, and they suggest a possible management when confronted with a sinusoidal fetal heart pattern.

Adolescent↗

The relationship of fetal heart rate patterns to the fetal transcutaneous PO2.

Continuous transcutaneous PO2 (tcPO2) monitoring of the human fetus was performed during 46 labors, 30 of which were complicated by abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. FHR variability decreased with increases in the fetal tcPO2, and FHR variability increased with decreases in the fetal tcPO2. Analysis of the tcPO2 and FHR tracings provided an explanation for this apparent discrepancy. While rising fetal tcPO2 values were usually associated with decreased FHR variability, the pattern of late deceleration and decreased variability must still be considered an ominous pattern. The fetal tcPO2 declined during the deceleration and rose thereafter, with corresponding decreased FHR variability. Incomplete recovery of the fetal tcPO2 was associated with progressive acidosis. Repetitive and isolated late deceleration patterns showed markedly dissimilar fetal tcPO2 changes, suggesting different mechanisms may be involved in their production. Further studies are required before any definite conclusions can be drawn about the relationship of the FHR and the fetal tcPO2.

Female↗

Three-dimensional multiplanar time-motion ultrasound or anatomical M-mode of the fetal heart: a new technique in fetal echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the application of a three-dimensional multiplanar rendering technique for examination of the fetal heart. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Free-hand acquisition of a three-dimensional volume was performed without moving or tilting the transducer. While the anatomical plane shows the four cardiac chambers, the two other orthogonal planes show vertical and horizontal time-axis planes as M-mode traces. Because off-line plane positioning is possible on three-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction, M-mode traces can be obtained from different stored cardiac structures independently of the fetal position. Fifty-two women with normal singleton pregnancies at 22-40 weeks underwent transabdominal ultrasound examination and five women with singleton fetuses between 13 and 15 weeks were assessed transvaginally. Clinical application of the echocardiographic technique was tested in a further two fetuses with arrhythmia. RESULTS: Off-line M-mode traces from atrioventricular valve excursions and myocardial contractions were possible in 45/52 (86.5%) cases examined at 22-40 weeks. Among the 32 fetuses in which visualization of the outflow tracts was attempted, M-mode traces of the aortic and pulmonary valves were possible in 22 (68.7%) and 20 (62.5%) cases, respectively. In three of five cases examined transvaginally, M-mode traces could be registered. Both cases with supraventricular extrasystoles (26 and 31 weeks) were easily diagnosed using this technique. CONCLUSION: The new technique presented here enables the easy acquisition of optimal M-mode traces from different fetal heart structures. Based on our promising findings we would recommend that, in the future, three-dimensional multiplanar imaging should not be limited to automatic volume acquisition but should include the free-hand technique.

Echocardiography↗

Effect of angiotensin infusion during pregnancy on fetal heart rate and on fetal activity.

The angiotensin sensitivity test is of value in predicting patients at increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia. Studies on the effects of angiotensin II on uterine blood flow in various species showed contradicting results. In the present study, 15 pregnant women were monitored by cardiotocography before, during and after an infusion of angiotensin II-amide (maximal infusion rates 6.3--23.2 ng . kg-1. min-1). No remarkable changes in fetal heart rate, oscillatory frequency and amplitude, as well as in the number of accelerations and fetal movements could be observed. It may be concluded from these results that the fetal condition is not compromised by an angiotensin sensitivity test.

Adult↗