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Objective computerized fetal heart rate analysis
Author(s) -
Bernardes J,
AyresdeCampos D,
CostaPereira A,
PereiraLeite L,
Garrido A
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/s0020-7292(98)00079-4
Subject(s) - medicine , confidence interval , cardiotocography , arterial ph , apgar score , fetal heart rate , obstetrics , fetus , pregnancy , heart rate , blood pressure , biology , genetics
Objective : To assess the validity of a computerized methodology for cardiotocogram analysis based on a recently described reproducible visual estimation of the baseline. Methods : Forty‐two antepartum and 43 intrapartum cardiotocograms (CTGs) acquired by a personal computer were selected. Antepartum tracings were performed in the 48 h that preceded an elective cesarean section, and intrapartum tracings were performed until delivery. FHR baselines were estimated by an expert, according to an objective and reproducible methodology. Using these baselines, automated detection of accelerations and decelerations and estimation of variability was performed by the personal computer. A quantitative adaptation of the FIGO guidelines for fetal monitoring was used to classify tracings. Perinatal outcome was classified according to the Apgar score and umbilical arterial pH. Validity was then assessed by the proportions of agreement (PA), kappa statistic (κ), sensitivity and specificity, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Cases showing a disagreement between CTG and perinatal classification were reviewed and an adjustment in baseline definition was tested. Results : The initial overall PA and κ between CTG and perinatal classification were, respectively, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69–0.87) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.41–0.83). The overall PA and κ, after baseline adjustment were, respectively, 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81–0.95) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.58–0.98). Sensitivities and specificities ranged between 79% (95% CI: 60–92%) and 100% (95% CI: 95–100%). Conclusions : Good clinical prediction may be possible with an objective methodology for cardiotocogram analysis based on a recently described reproducible baseline estimation.