Biophysical profile for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies.
BACKGROUND
Biophysical profile usually includes ultrasound monitoring of fetal movements, fetal tone and fetal breathing, ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume and assessment of fetal heart rate by electronic monitoring.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of biophysical profile tests on pregnancy outcome in high risk pregnancies.


METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register. Date of last search: October 1998.


METHODS
Randomised trials comparing fetal biophysical profile with other forms of fetal assessment in women with high risk pregnancies.


METHODS
Trial quality was assessed.


RESULTS
Four studies were included. Most trials were not of high quality. No difference was found between biophysical profile and other forms of fetal assessment over a range of fetal and neonatal measures.


CONCLUSIONS
At present, there is not enough evidence from randomised trials to evaluate the use of biophysical profile as a test of fetal well-being in high risk pregnancies.
Alfirevic
Z
Z
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, L69 3BX. zarko@liverpool.ac.uk
Neilson
J P
JP
D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal