The predictive value of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns in early labour.
An abnormal early intrapartum cardiotocogram was found to have a sensitivity of 26.4% and a positive predictive value of 28.3% for the detection of fetal acidaemia at birth and a sensitivity of 27.3% and a positive predictive value of 3.3% for the prediction of 5-minute Apgar scores below 7. The presence of meconium in the liquor amnii improved the predictive properties of the test. Although an abnormal early intrapartum feta heart rate pattern indicated a higher risk group, the majority of patients with abnormal early intrapartum cardiograms had a favourable outcome. A normal pattern does not exclude an adverse outcome.
Umstad
M P
MP
Department of Perinatal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria.
D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007747:Labor Stage, First / Q000502:physiology*; D008470:Meconium; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity