title: Transcutaneous electrostimulation for suspected placental insufficiency (diagnosed by Doppler studies).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transcutaneous electrostimulation is thought to be able to improve blood flow and so it has been suggested that it may help to promote fetal growth.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to assess the effects of transcutaneous electrostimulation in suspected placental insufficiency on the promotion of fetal growth.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of last search: December 1999.
  
  
  METHODS
  Acceptably controlled trials of transcutaneous electrostimulation compared with placebo or no treatment in women with suspected impaired fetal growth or placental insufficiency.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trial quality was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No studies were included.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of transcutaneous electrostimulation in the management of women with suspected placental insufficiency.
authors.affiliation: Special Department of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank, World Health Organisation, Geneva 27, Switzerland, CH-1211. gulmezoglum@who.ch
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gülmezoglu
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Hofmeyr
mesh_terms: D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010927:Placental Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler