title: Computerized evaluation of fetal heart-rate patterns.
abstract: Antepartum Cardiotocography (CTG) is one of the few techniques available today to assess fetal conditions in high risk pregnancies. Visual interpretation of CTG traces has been shown to be unreliable. In order to eliminate observer variability and to increase the accuracy of CTG, numerical on-line analysis of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns was introduced. The experience with computerized systems has shown that the best indicator of fetal conditions is variation, long- or short-term. Mean range (Long-term variation) values of less than 20 msec are associated with an increased rate of fetal acidaemia and perinatal mortality. The availability of numerical measurements enables the detection of small changes in FHR occurring in time, so when initial deterioration signs arise, the single fetus can be followed up longitudinally. Moreover, a more accurate correlation with other biophysical and biochemical parameters of the fetus can be done, as well as with perinatal outcome. In conclusion, computerized CTG improves accuracy and allows to distinguish fetuses that are truly jeopardized because of hypoxemia, from those who are not.
authors.affiliation: Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oxford, U.K.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dawes
authors.forename: Y J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Meir
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Mandruzzato
mesh_terms: D015148:Cardiotocography / Q000379:methods; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy