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Comparison of the T/QRS ratio of the fetal electrocardiogram and the fetal heart rate during labour and the relation of these variables to condition at delivery
Author(s) -
NEWBOLD SANDRA,
WHEELER TIMOTHY,
CLEWLOW FRANK
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1991.tb13364.x
Subject(s) - qrs complex , medicine , umbilical artery , cardiology , fetal heart rate , apgar score , fetus , acidosis , heart rate , electrocardiography , anesthesia , pregnancy , blood pressure , biology , genetics
Summary. The T/QRS ratio of the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded to within 30 min of delivery from 105 women in labour. There were no significant differences in the mean T/QRS ratio in the last hour of record between those with normal and intermediate, or abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns. In 66 labours the mean T/QRS ratio in the first hour of record was compared with that of the last hour; the only significant change was a small decrease in the mean ratio from 11% to 7% in a group of 11 fetuses with an abnormal FHR pattern throughout the recording time. Eight babies were born with evidence of acidosis (umbilical artery pH<7.16), and another four were born in poor condition (1 min Apgar score <4) without evidence of acidosis; none had a mean last hour T/QRS ratio significantly different from the previously established normal range.