title: [The use of an externally derived fetal electrocardiogram in obstetrical diagnosis in cattle for the evaluation of fetal vitality].
abstract: In 33 pregnant cows a fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) using an external lead was recorded during second stage of labor. A curve of the fetal heart rate pattern was drawn which served to determine the following parameters: basal heart rate, and amplitude as well as frequency of heart rate oscillation. These parameters were compared with APGAR scoring, colostrum intake, blood gas analysis as to their value for evaluation of vitality. There was a statistically positive correlation between basal heart rate during birth and base deficit after birth. Basal heart rate was negatively correlated with plasma pH measured after fetal expulsion. Amplitude of heart rate oscillation was negatively correlated with pH in plasma and concentration of standard bicarbonate, and was positively correlated with carbon dioxide pressure and base deficit. Calves with acidosis at birth or decreased colostrum intake had statistically significantly higher amplitudes of oscillation than healthy control calves. Basal heart rate of the fetus when used as the only parameter might not be suitable in order to exactly evaluate fetal vitality. In contrast, amplitude of heart rate oscillation more reliably indicated a disturbance of fetal condition. Under practical conditions, the described procedure of measuring fetal ECG is suitable in order to detect a viable fetus.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000196:embryology* / Q000502:physiology; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000502:physiology*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy
vernacular_title: Untersuchungen zur Anwendung eines extern abgeleiteten fetalen Elektrokardiogramms in der geburtshilflichen Diagnostik beim Rind zur Vitalitätseinschätzung des Fetus.