Biophysical profile in the treatment of intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses who weigh <1000 g.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the biophysical profile (BPP) usefulness in the prediction of cord pH, base excess, and guidance regarding the timing of delivery in preterm intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses.


METHODS
A BPP was performed daily in 48 IUGR fetuses and was considered abnormal when it was 2/10 on 1 single occasion or 4/10 on 2 consecutive occasions 2 hours apart.


RESULTS
The median gestational age and fetal weight for the total population was 27.6 weeks and 632 g, respectively. In 13 fetuses with a BPP of 6, there were 3 deaths, and 7 fetuses were acidemic. In 27 fetuses with a BPP of 8, there were 3 deaths, and 12 fetuses were acidemic.


CONCLUSIONS
BPP alone is not a reliable test in the treatment of preterm IUGR fetuses, because of high false-positive and -negative results. The common notion of a good BPP providing reassurance for at least 24 hours is not applicable in severely preterm IUGR fetuses who weigh <1000 g.
Kaur
Satinder
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
Picconi
Jason L
JL
Chadha
Rati
R
Kruger
Michael
M
Mari
Giancarlo
G
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D001703:Biophysics; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020567:Fetal Weight; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology