Antepartum fetal surveillance: the biophysical profile.
In summary, it appears, based on a cumulative experience of more than 15,000 patients from several centers, that fetal biophysical profile scoring holds promise as an improved method of fetal risk detection. Antepartum detection, classification, determination of severity, and ultimately, treatment of the fetus at risk for death and damage in utero form the basis of modern perinatal medicine. It remains to be determined whether addition of further variables or refinement of existing variables will improve accuracy still further. The assessment of multiple biophysical variables and responses to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli is helpful in differentiating a normal sleeping fetus from an asphyxiated one.
Brar
H S
HS
University of Southern California, Los Angeles County USC Medical Center.
Platt
L D
LD
Devore
G R
GR
D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography