It is time to introduce ST analysis for fetal monitoring in the labor ward?
Five randomized controlled trials have been published on intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring with ST analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram, but the debate on its usefulness has not yet been ended. We consider ST analysis a useful and cost-effective addition to conventional fetal heart rate monitoring. We will provide support for this opinion by discussing the pathophysiology of ST changes in relation to fetal asphyxia, the results of the randomized controlled trials and numerous meta-analyses of these randomized controlled trials and trends in fetal outcome in hospitals in different countries following the introduction of the ST technology in the labor ward.
Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Gerard H A
GH
Visser
Jørg
J
Kessler
D001237:Asphyxia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015148:Cardiotocography; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
Fetal monitoring; ST analysis; STAN; cardiotocography; fetal heart rate; intrapartum