[Quantitative cardiotocography].
Cardiotocography (CTG) is an up-to-date practical method for fetal surveillance during pregnancy and labor. More precise reading of the CTG data is possible with the use of some fetal acid-base parameters, taken from the umbilical artery (UA). Unfortunately, invasive procedures like fetal scalp blood sampling and/or cordocentesis are required to obtain these results. Latest computer technology enables us to create mathematical algorithms that uninvasively calculate prognostic values for fetal blood pH, based on interpretation of key CTG features. The method is called "Quantitative cardiotocography" and is implemented in a software solution for fetal surveillance in 2007. In this study the authors present their first clinical results using the method, which they recently introduced for the first time in Bulgaria. A total of 1356 CTG recordings with pH prediction were stored and analysed. These findings have been carefully taken into consideration in the context of some clinical conditions like preeclampsia, pre- and post-term delivery placental abruption, etc. Early results are showing fairly good correlation between computer-analysed abnormal CTG findings and presence of the above mentioned clinical conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative appraisal of CTG findings and acid-base parameters leads to much more precise interpretation of the CTG phenomena, which guarantees higher quality of fetal surveillance during pregnancy and labor.
Atanasov
B
B
Ignatov
P
P
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000502:physiology; D015148:Cardiotocography / Q000379:methods*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry; D005311:Fetal Hypoxia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis