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The prediction of fetal acidosis at birth by computerised analysis of intrapartum cardiotocography
Author(s) -
Chung T. K. H.,
Mohajer M. P.,
Yang Z. J.,
Chang A. M. Z.,
Sahota D. S.
Publication year - 1995
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.1471-0528.1995.tb11317.x
Subject(s) - cardiotocography , acidosis , medicine , arterial ph , metabolic acidosis , fetus , fetal heart rate , obstetrics , blood pressure , heart rate , cardiology , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Objective To assess the capability of a computer software interpretation program, using intrapartum fetal heart rate and intrauterine pressure as recorded in a cardiotocogram to predict fetal acidosis at birth. Design and subjects A retrospective analysis of digitised fetal heart rate and uterine activity values obtained from 73 high risk women in labour. Setting Two university teaching hospitals. Methods A computer software program was constructed to analyse the digitised data and predict acidosis. The results of the analysis were compared with actual umbilical arterial blood pH and base excess at delivery. Results The software cardiotocogram interpreter was able to predict a pH of less than 7.15 with an accuracy of 77%, a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 75% in this set of data. It was able to predict a base excess of less than –8 mmol/1 with an accuracy of 81%, a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 82%. Conclusions A computerised method of analysing fetal heart rate and uterine activity using a simple algorithm has demonstrated a capability to predict fetal acidosis at the time of delivery. Further research in this area is warranted.