Chaotic indices and canonical ensemble of heart rate patterns in small-for-gestational age fetuses.
OBJECTIVE
We studied how linear and nonlinear heart rate dynamics differ between normal fetuses (n=135) and uncomplicated small-for-gestational age (SGA) fetuses (n=65), aged 32-40 weeks' gestation.


METHODS
We analyzed each fetal heart rate time series for 20 min. We quantified the complexity (nonlinear dynamics) of each fetal heart rate (FHR) time series by approximate entropy (ApEn) and correlation dimension (CD). The linear dynamics were analyzed by canonical correlation analysis (CCA).


RESULTS
The ApEn and CD of the uncomplicated SGA fetuses were significantly lower than that of the normal fetuses in all three gestational periods (32-34, 35-37, 38-40 weeks). Canonical correlation ensemble in SGA fetuses is slightly higher than normal ones in all three gestational periods, especially at 35-37 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Irregularity and complexity of the heart rate dynamics of SGA fetuses are lower than that of normal ones. Also, canonical ensemble in SGA fetuses is higher than in normal ones, suggesting that the FHR control system has multiple complex interactions. Along with the clear difference between the two groups' non-linear chaotic dynamics in FHR patterns, we clarified the hidden subtle differences in linearity (e.g., canonical ensemble). The decrease in non-linear dynamics may contribute to the increase in linear dynamics. The present statistical methodology can be readily and routinely utilized in obstetrics and gynecologic fields.
Hoh
Jeong-Kyu
JK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Sanbon Medical Center, Gyeonggi, Korea.
Park
Young-Sun
YS
Cha
Kyung-Joon
KJ
Oh
Jae-Eung
JE
Lee
Hae-Jin
HJ
Lee
Gyeong-Tae
GT
Park
Moon-Il
MI
D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D008499:Medical Records; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies