Manejo de Disminución de Movimientos Fetales en pacientes del Área de Urgencias Obstétricas / Management of Decreased Fetal Movements in patients in the Obstetric Emergency Area

Los movimientos fetales son uno de los primeros signos de vitalidad fetal. Durante la gestación, éstos van apareciendo progresivamente. La adecuada adquisición y mantenimiento de los mismos durante la gestación indica un correcto desarrollo neuromuscular, así como de bienestar fetal1. La percepción materna de una Disminución de los Movimientos Fetales (DMF) constituye un motivo de consulta frecuente en los Servicios de Urgencias Obstétricas; toda paciente embarazada debe vigilar los movimientos fetales, mediante un conteo subjetivo de los movimientos del feto, a partir de las 24 semanas de gestación. La DMF constituye el 5 ­ 15% de motivos de consulta en los servicios de Urgencias en el tercer trimestre del embarazo. Hasta un 25% de fetos que presentan una DMF presentarán alguna complicación perinatal (malformaciones, retraso de crecimiento, parto prematuro, hemorragia fetomaterna, y éxitus fetal) incluso en población de bajo riesgo. El manejo inadecuado de la DMF representa un 10-15% de las muertes evitables a término1-3. Es por esto que ninguna paciente que consulte por Disminución de Movimientos Fetales debe ser dada de alta sin asegurarse del adecuado bienestar fetal.

Fetal movements are one of the first signs of fetal vitality. During gestation, they appear progressively. Adequate acquisition and maintenance of fetal movements during gestation indicates correct neuromuscular development, as well as fetal well-being1. Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements (DMP) is a frequent reason for consultation in Obstetric Emergency Departments; every pregnant patient should monitor fetal movements by subjectively counting fetal movements, starting at 24 weeks of gestation. FMD constitutes 5-15% of the reasons for consultation in the emergency department in the third trimester of pregnancy. Up to 25% of fetuses with FMD will present some perinatal complication (malformations, growth retardation, premature delivery, fetomaternal hemorrhage, and fetal death) even in low-risk populations. Inadequate management of FMD accounts for 10-15% of preventable deaths at term1-3. This is why no patient who consults for decreased fetal movements should be discharged without ensuring adequate fetal well-being.

Analysis of antepartum cardiotocography based on S/k proportions and probability in 20 minutes / Análisis de la cardiotocografía anteparto mediante las relaciones S/k y la probabilidad en 20 minutos

Abstract Objectives: although mortality and perinatal asphyxia in newborns have been considerably reduced, there are still deficiencies in screening and diagnosis methods for intrapartum fetal well being that aim to detect its early alterations. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to apply a methodology based on probability and entropy and confirm its capacity to detect normal and abnormal fetal cardiac dynamics from 20-minute cardiotocographic tracings. Methods: 80 cardiotocographic tracings of pregnant women in the last trimester were collected, of which the minimum and maximum fetal heart rate were evaluated every 10 seconds, as well as its repetitions along with their probability and the diagnostic S/k ratio. Finally, the statistical analysis was carried out to establish the diagnostic capacity of the method concerning the clinical evaluation and interpretation of the cardiotocographic tracing, taken as the Gold Standard. Results: it was confirmed that S/k ratio values differentiated normal from abnormal fetal cardiac dynamics with sensitivity and specificity values of 100% and a Kappa coefficient of 1. Conclusion: the applicability of a diagnostic mathematical method of cardiotocography was confirmed, which suggests its implementation in the clinical context to detect alterations in fetal well-being in 20 minutes.

Resumo Objetivos: aunque se ha logrado reducir considerablemente la mortalidad y asfixia perinatal en neonatos, aún hay deficiencias en los métodos de tamizaje y diagnóstico del bienestar fetal intraparto que detecten sus alteraciones tempranas. Por lo anterior, el propósito de esta investigación fue aplicar una metodología basada en la probabilidad y la entropía y confirmar su capacidad para diagnosticar la dinámica cardíaca fetal normal de la anormal a partir de trazados cardiotocográficos de 20 minutos. Métodos: se recolectaron 80 trazados cardiotocográficos de gestantes en el último trimestre, de los cuales se evaluaron frecuencia cardíaca fetal mínima y máxima cada 10 segundos al igual que sus repeticiones, su probabilidad y la proporción S/k diagnóstica. Finalmente, se realizó un análisis estadístico para establecer la capacidad diagnóstica del método con respecto a la interpretación el trazado cardiotocográfico y la evaluación clínica, tomadas como Gold Standard. Resultados: se confirmó que los valores de la proporción S/k diferenciaron las dinámicas cardíacas fetales normales de las anormales con valores de sensibilidad y especificidad del 100% y un coeficiente Kappa de 1. Conclusión: se confirmó la aplicabilidad de un método matemático diagnóstico de la cardiotocografía, lo cual sugiere que su implementación en la clínica para detectar alteraciones del bienestar fetal en 20 minutos.

Classification of Fetal Heart Rate Based on Poincare Plot and LSTM / 中国医疗器械杂志

Fetal heart rate plays an essential role in maternal and fetal monitoring and fetal health detection. In this study, a method based on Poincare Plot and LSTM is proposed to realize the high performance classification of abnormal fetal heart rate. Firstly, the original fetal heart rate signal of CTU-UHB database is preprocessed via interpolation, then the sequential fetal heart rate signal is converted into Poincare Plot to obtain nonlinear characteristics of the signals, and then SquenzeNet is used to extract the features of Poincare Plot. Finally, the features extracted by SqueezeNet are classified by LSTM. And the accuracy, the true positive rate and the false positive rate are 98.00%, 100.00%, 92.30% respectively on 2 000 test set data. Compared with the traditional fetal heart rate classification method, all respects are improved. The method proposed in this study has good performance in CTU-UHB fetal monitoring database and has certain practical value in the clinical diagnosis of auxiliary fetal heart rate detection.

Congenital complete atrioventricular heart block in a pregnant woman with sjögren syndrome: prenatal care follow-up and the challenge of intrauterine treatment / Bloqueio atrioventricular completo congênito em uma mulher grávida com síndrome de Sjögren: seguimento pré-natal e desafio do tratamento intrauterino

Abstract The present report describes a case of complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) diagnosed at 25 weeks of gestation in a pregnant woman with Sjögren's syndrome and positive anti-Ro/SSA antibodies. Fluorinated steroids (dexamethasone and betamethasone) and terbuline were used to increase the fetal heart rate, but the fetal heart block was not reversible, and the administration of drugs was discontinued due to maternal collateral effects. Follow-up fetal echocardiograms were performed, and the fetus evolved with pericardial effusion, presence of fibroelastosis in the right ventricle, and ventricular dysfunction. Interruption of pregnancy by cesarean section was indicated at 34 weeks of gestation, and a cardiac pacemaker was implanted in the male newborn immediately after birth. Therapy for fetuses with CAVB is controversial mainly regarding the use or not of corticosteroids; however, monitoring of the atrioventricular interval by fetal echocardiography should be performed in fetuses from pregnant women with positive autoantibodies anti-Ro/SSA and/or anti-La/SSB to prevent the progression to CAVB.

Resumo Este relato descreve um caso de bloqueio atrioventricular completo (BAVC) diagnosticado com 25 semanas de gestação em uma mulher com síndrome de Sjögren e anticorpos anti-Ro/SSA positivos. Esteroides fluoretados (dexametasona e betametasona) e terbulina foram utilizados para aumentar a frequência cardíaca fetal, mas o bloqueio cardíaco fetal não foi reversível, e a administração dos medicamentos foi interrompida devido a efeitos colaterais maternos. Ecocardiogramas fetais de acompanhamento foram realizados, e o feto evoluiu com derrame pericárdico, presença de fibroelastose no ventrículo direito, e disfunção ventricular. A interrupção da gravidez por cesariana foi indicada com 34 semanas, e um marca-passo cardíaco foi implantado no recém-nascido do sexo masculino imediatamente após o nascimento. A terapia para fetos com BAVC é controversa, principalmente no que diz respeito ao uso ou não de corticosteroides; no entanto, o monitoramento do intervalo atrioventricular pela ecocardiografia fetal deve ser feito em fetos de mulheres grávidas com autoanticorpos positivos anti-Ro/SSA e/ou anti-La/SSB para impedir a progressão para o BAVC.

Is moderate intensity exercise during pregnancy safe for the fetus? An open clinical trial / Exercício de intensidade moderada durante a gravidez é seguro para o feto? Ensaio clínico aberto

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of treadmill walking on maternal heart rate (MHR) and cardiotocographic parameters (basal fetal heart rate [FHR], active fetal movements [AFM], number of accelerations and decelerations, and short-term variation [STV] and long-term variation [LTV] of fetal heart rate) in pregnant women at 36 weeks. Methods A nonrandomized, open clinical trial involving 88 healthy pregnant women submitted to moderate intensity walking and computed cardiotocography in 3 20- minute periods (resting, treadmill walking, and postexercise recovery). Results The mean FHR decreased during walking (resting: 137 bpm; treadmill: 98 bpm; recovery: 140 bpm; p<0.001), with bradycardia occurring in 56% of the fetuses in the first 10minutes of exercise, and in 47% after 20minutes. Bradycardia was not detected in the other phases. The mean STV and HV were 7.9, 17.0, and 8.0 milliseconds (p<0.001) and 7.6, 10.8 and 7.6 bpm (p=0.002) in the resting, walking and recovery phases, respectively. Themean number of fetalmovements in 1 hour was 29.9, 22.2 and 45.5, respectively, in the 3 periods (p<0.001). In overweight/obese women, the mean FHR was lower (p=0.02). Following the logistic regression analysis, two variables remained significantly associated with bradycardia: maternal fitness in the 28th week of pregnancy (protective effect) and maternal weight (increased risk). Conclusion In healthy fetuses, physical exercise proved to be safe, since, although FHR and AFM decreased during treadmill walking, an increase in SVT and LTV was observed.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar o efeito da caminhada em esteira sobre a frequência cardíaca materna (FCM) e parâmetros cardiotocográficos (batimentos cardiofetais basais [BCFs], movimentos ativos fetais [MAFs], número de acelerações e desacelerações e variabilidade de curta [STV] e longa [LTV] duração da frequência cardíaca fetal) em gestantes na 36a semana. Métodos Foi realizado umensaio clínico não randomizado e aberto com 88 gestantes saudáveis submetidas a caminhada de moderada intensidade na esteira e a cardiotocografia computadoriza em 3 momentos de 20 minutos (antes, durante e após a caminhada). Resultados A média dos BCFs diminuiu durante a caminhada, retornando a níveis prévios (antes: 137 bpm; durante: 98 bpm; após: 140 bpm; p<0,001), com bradicardia ocorrendo em 56% dos fetos nos primeiros 10 minutos do exercício, e em 47% após 20 minutos. A bradicardia fetal não foi observada em outrosmomentos (antes ou depois). As médias da STV e da LTV foram 7,9, 17,0 e 8,0milissegundos (p<0,001) e 7,6, 10,7 e 7,6 bpm (p=0,002) antes, durante e após a caminhada, respectivamente. Amédia dos números dos MAFs em 1 hora foi 29,9, 22,2 e 45,5, respectivamente, nos três momentos (p<0,001). Nas mulheres com sobrepeso/obesidade, a média da FCM foi menor (p=0,02). Após a análise de regressão logística, duas variáveis permaneceram significativamente associadas a bradicardia: aptidão maternal na 28a semana de gravidez (efeito protetor) e peso materno (aumento do risco). Conclusão Em fetos saudáveis, o exercício físico mostrou-se seguro, uma vez que, embora os BCFs e osMAFs diminuam durante a caminhada na esteira, foi observado um aumento da SVT e da LTV.

Maternal, fetal and neonatal heart rate and heart rate variability in Holstein cattle / Frequência cardíaca e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca materna, fetal e neonatal em bovinos da raça Holstein

The aim of this study was to describe the normal values for maternal, fetal and neonatal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) indexes in the time domain (standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval - SDNN; root mean square of successive beat-to-beat differences - RMSSD) and the frequency domain (low frequency - LF; high frequency - HF; relationship between low and high frequency - LF/HF) in 23 Holstein cows, 23 fetuses and 18 neonates during the perinatal period. HR and HRV were calculated by fetomaternal electrocardiography (ECG). Fetomaternal measurements were taken six times prepartum (between days 234 and 279 of pregnancy) and measurements were taken in neonates six times after calving (after birth and five times weekly). HR, time and frequency domain were analyzed. No significant changes in maternal, fetal beat-to-beat interval (RR interval) or HR were found. In maternal variables, SDNN decreased significantly from 38.08±2.6ms (day 14 before calving) to 23.7±2.5ms (day 1 after calving) (p<0.05), but the RMSSD did not change significantly. HR and RR interval of calf differed statistically from the day before delivery (163±7.5bpm; 381±24.2ms) to the day after calving (131±5bpm; 472±16.2ms). Time variables (SDNN and RMSSD) and the frequency-domain variables (LF and HF) were significantly different (p<0.05) between fetal and neonatal stages. Reductions in the values of SDNN and RMSSD can reflect a sympathetic dominance. After calving, the increase in HF and decrease in LF variables can indicate activation of the vagal nerve followed by heart and respiratory modulation.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os valores normais para os índices de frequência cardíaca (FC) materna, fetal e neonatal e de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) no domínio do tempo (desvio padrão do intervalo batimento a batimento, SDNN; raiz quadrada média de sucessivas diferenças de batimento a batimento, RMSSD) e do domínio da frequência (baixa frequência, LF; alta frequência, HF; relação entre baixa e alta frequência, LF/HF) em 23 vacas Holandesas, 23 fetos e 18 neonatos durante o período perinatal. A FC e a VFC foram calculadas por eletrocardiografia materno-fetal. As medidas materno-fetais foram realizadas seis vezes antes do parto (entre os dias 234 e 279 de gestação) as medidas neonatais foram realizadas seis vezes após o parto (um dia após nascimento e semanalmente, durante cinco semanas). FC, e variáveis no domínio do tempo e de frequência foram analisadas. Não foram encontradas alterações significativas na FC e no intervalo de batimento para batimento (intervalo RR) materno e fetal. Nas variáveis maternas, o SDNN diminuiu significativamente de 38,08±2,6ms (dia 14 antes do parto) para 23,7±2,5ms (dia 1 após o parto) (p<0,05), mas o RMSSD não alterou significativamente. A FC e o intervalo e RR do bezerro diferiram estatisticamente a partir de um dia antes do parto (163±7,5bpm, 381±24,2ms) até o dia seguinte ao parto (131±5bpm, 472±16,2ms). As variáveis de tempo (SDNN e RMSSD) e as variáveis de domínio de frequência (LF e HF) foram significativamente diferentes (p<0,05) entre os momentos fetal e neonatal. As reduções nos valores de SDNN e RMSSD podem refletir domínio simpático. Após o parto, o aumento da HF e a diminuição das variáveis LF podem indicar a ativação do nervo vagal seguido de modulação cardíaca e respiratória.(AU)

Fetal autonomic malfunction as a marker of fetal distress in growth-restricted fetuses: three case reports

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is characterized by fetal compromise and delayed neurological maturation. We report 3 cases of early FGR in the 26th week of gestation, based on hemodynamic Doppler monitoring, conventional cardiotocography, and non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI-FECG). Fetal heart rate variability (HRV), beat-to-beat variations, and fetal autonomic brain age scores (fABASs) were normal despite the absence of umbilical diastolic flow in the first case and the pregnancy continued to 30 weeks. NI-FECG helped achieve better fetal maturity. Fetal HRV and fABASs were low in the second and third cases. Fetal demise occurred soon in both cases. We conclude that NI-FECG could be a prospective method for the detection of fetal distress in early FGR.

Anti-disturbance Fetal Heart Rate System Based on Combined Maternal-fetal Monitoring / 中国医疗器械杂志

The existing fetal monitor is prone to false detection in the case of high maternal interference in the second stage of labor. With this background, the article designs and implements a combined maternal-fetal fetal heart monitoring system. The system obtains the Doppler signal of the abdominal fetal heart and the blood oxygen signal of the mother's finger, and estimates the maternal interference degree in the fetal heart rate Doppler signal according to the maximum correlation value between the maternal finger blood oxygen signal and the abdominal fetal heart Doppler signal, and switches the fetal heart rate extraction algorithm between the autocorrelation method suitable for lower interference and improved template method suitable for higher interference according to the maternal interference degree. The accuracy of our method is 9.2% which is higher than that of the improved template matching method and 6.1% higher than that of the autocorrelation method.

Optimal template selecting combined with non-liner template matching for Doppler fetal heart rate extraction / 生物医学工程学杂志

The ultrasound Doppler fetal heart rate measurement is the gold standard of fetal heart rate counting. However, the existing fetal heart rate extraction algorithms are not designed specifically to suppress the high maternal interference during the second stage of labor, and false detection occurrences are common during labor. With this background, a method combining time-frequency frame template library optimal selecting and non-linear template matching is proposed. The method contributes a template library, and the optimal template can be selected to match the signal frame. After the short-time Fourier transform of the signal, the difference between the signal and the template is optimized by leaky rectified linear unit (LReLU) function frame by frame. The heart rate was calculated from the peak of the matching curve and the heart rate was calculated. By comparing the proposed method with the autocorrelation method, the results show that the detection accuracy of the proposed method is improved by 20% on average, and the non-linear template matching of 23% samples is at least 50% higher than the autocorrelation method. This paper designs the algorithm by analyzing the characteristics of the interference and signal mixing. We hope that this paper will provide a new idea for fetal heart rate extraction which not only focuses on the original signal.

Adequação da assistência pré-natal em casa de parto e causas associadas com as transferências hospitalares / Adecuación de la asistencia pre-natal em casa de parto y causas asociadas com las transferências hospitales / Adequacy of prenatal assistance in birth houses and causes associated with hospital transfers

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar a adequação da assistência pré-natal em Casa de Parto e as causas associadas com as transferências maternas e dos recém-nascidos para o hospital. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal dos atendimentos da única Casa de Parto, de 2009 a 2014, no Rio de Janeiro. As análises estatísticas foram pelo Teste χ2 e Razão de Prevalência (RP). RESULTADO A assistência pré-natal adequada predominou (42,8%) e não houve associação (p=0,55) com as transferências. A transferência materna é causada pela bolsa amniótica rota (RP= 2,09; IC 95% 1,62-2,70) e batimentos cardíacos fetais alterados (RP= 3,06; IC 95% 2,13-4,39). As transferências do recém-nascido estão associadas com a presença de mecônio no líquido amniótico (RP= 2,40; IC 95% 1,30 - 4,43); Apgar abaixo de 7 (RP= 5,33; IC 95% 2,65-10,73) e assistência ventilatória ao nascer (RP= 9,41; IC 95% 5,52-16,04). CONCLUSÃO As intercorrências na assistência intraparto são as causas associadas com as transferências.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar la adecuación de la asistencia prenatal en Casa de Parto y las causas asociadas con las transferencias maternas y de los recién nacidos para al hospital. MÉTODOS Investigación transversal de los atendimientos de la única Casa de Parto, de 2009 a 2014, en Río de Janeiro. Los análisis estadísticos fueron por el Test χ2 y Razón de Prevalencia (RP). RESULTADO La asistencia prenatal adecuada predominó (42,8%) y no hubo asociación (p = 0,55) con las transferencias. La transferencia materna es causada por la bolsa amniótica ruta (RP = 2,09, IC 95% 1,62-2,70) y batimientos cardíacos fetales alterados (RP = 3,06, IC 95% 2,13-4,39). Las transferencias del recién nacido se asocian con la presencia de meconio en el líquido amniótico (RP = 2,40; IC 95% 1,30 - 4,43); Apgar abajo de 7 (RP= 5,33; IC 95% 2,65-10,73) y asistencia ventilatoria al nacer (RP=9,41; IC 95% 5,52-16,04). CONCLUSIONES Las intercurrencias en la asistencia intraparto son las causas asociadas con las transferencias.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze the adequacy of prenatal care in a Birth Center and the causes associated with maternal and newborn transfers to the hospital. METHODS Cross-sectional study of the care provided at the only Birth Center in Rio de Janeiro, from 2009 to 2014. Statistical analyzes were based on the χ2 test and Prevalence Ratio (PR). RESULTS Suitable prenatal care was predominant (42.8%) and there was no association (p = 0.55) with the transfers. Maternal transfer is caused by the ruptured amniotic sac (PR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.62-2.70) and altered fetal heart rates (PR = 3.06, 95% CI, 2.13-4.39). Newborn transfers are associated with the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid (PR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.30-4.43); Apgar below 7 (PR = 5.33, 95% CI 2.65-10.73); and ventilatory assistance at birth (PR = 9.41, 95% CI 5.52-16.04). CONCLUSION Complications during intrapartum care are the causes associated with transfers.

Effect of Structured Bed Exercise on Uterine Contractions, Fetal Heart Rate Patterns, and Maternal Psychophysical Symptoms of Hospitalized High-Risk Pregnant Women: A Randomized Control Trial

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect on uterine contraction frequency (UCF), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns and psychophysical symptoms (physical discomfort, anxiety, and depression) of structured bed exercise (SBE) in hospitalized high-risk pregnant women prescribed bed rest. METHODS: Forty-five hospitalized high risk pregnant women at >24 weeks of pregnancy prescribed bed rest were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. From January to May 2014, data were collected using electronic fetal monitoring and patient monitoring of UCF, BP, HR and FHR patterns, and psychophysical symptoms were measured using the antenatal physical discomfort scale, state-trait anxiety scale, and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. RESULTS: UCF, BP, HR, and FHR patterns (rate, variability, acceleration, and deceleration) did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups. The experimental group showed a significant increase in baseline FHR after SBE within the normal range, and after SBE, it reduced to the FHR before SBE. The variability, acceleration and deceleration of FHR before and after SBE did not differ significantly between two groups. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference before and after SBE in the experimental group. Also, the experimental group showed statistically significant decreases in physical discomfort score. However, there were no significant differences in depression and anxiety score between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SBE in hospitalized high-risk pregnant women under bed rest did not increase the risk to the fetus, and relieved physical discomfort and anxiety. Therefore, SBE should be considered as a nursing intervention in hospitalized high-risk pregnant women.

Decision-to-delivery interval in emergency cesarean delivery in tertiary care hospital in Thailand

OBJECTIVE: To determine the decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) in emergency cesarean delivery and associated factors. METHODS: A total of 431 pregnant women who were indicated for emergency cesarean delivery were included. Clinical information and timing of process after decision until delivery and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 30 years, and 59.4% were nulliparous. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37.9 weeks. The decision was made during normal office hour in 33.2%. Median decision-to-operating room interval, decision-to-incision interval, and DDIs were 45, 70, and 82 minutes, respectively. Only 3.5% of patients had DDI ≤30 minutes, while 52.0% had DDI >75 minutes. During after office hours, every time interval was significantly shorter and 4.9% had DDI ≤30 minutes compared to 0.7% in normal office hours (P=0.001). Compared to other indications, time intervals were significantly shorter in those with non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR), and DDI ≤30 minutes was achieved in 18.8% vs. 0.8% (P < 0.001). Shortest DDI was observed among those with non-reassuring FHR during after office hours. Neonatal outcomes were comparable between different DDIs. CONCLUSION: Only 3.5% of emergency cesarean delivery had a DDI ≤30 minutes (median 82 minutes). Significant shorter time intervals were observed in those with non-reassuring FHR during after office hours.

Predicting factors for success of vaginal delivery in preterm induction with prostaglandin E₂

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prostaglandin (PG) E₂ for preterm labor induction and to investigate the predictive factors for the success of vaginal delivery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in women (n=155) at 24+0 to 36+6 weeks of gestation who underwent induction of labor using a PGE₂ vaginal pessary (10 mg, Propess) from January 2009 to December 2015. Success rates of vaginal delivery according to gestational age at induction and incidence of intrapartum complications such as tachysystole and nonreassuring fetal heart rate were investigated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive factors for success of labor induction. RESULTS: The vaginal delivery rate was 57% (n=89) and the rate of cesarean delivery after induction was 43% (n=66). According to gestational age, labor induction was successful in 16.7%, 50.0%, and 62.8% of patients at 24 to 31, 32 to 33, and 34 to 36 weeks, showing a stepwise increase (P=0.006). There were 18 cases (11%) of fetal distress, 9 cases (5.8%) of tachysystole, and 6 cases (3.8%) of massive postpartum bleeding (>1,000 mL). After adjusting for confounding factors, multiparity (odds ratio [OR], 8.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.10 to 23.14), younger maternal age (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.94), advanced gestational age at induction (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.09), rupture of membranes (OR, 11.83; 95% CI, 3.55 to 39.40), and the Bishop score change after removal of PGE₂ (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.8) were significant predictors of successful preterm vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: An understanding of the principal predictive factors of successful preterm labor induction, as well as the safety of PGE₂, will provide useful information when clinicians consult with preterm pregnant women requiring premature delivery.

Computerized Cardiotocography Analysis: Comparison among Several Parental Ethnic Origins / Análise de cardiotocografia computadorizada: comparação entre diversas origens étnicas

ABSTRACT Objective: We speculate that genetic racial disparity exists in fetal life and can be detected by modern computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) . Methods: This is a retrospective study comparing the results of the cCTG of pregnant patients at 37-42 weeks according to the parental ethnicity (black versus white). A cCTG was performed to analyze the variables of fetal heart rate (FHR). The cCTG variables analyzed were: percentage of signal loss; number of contractions; basal FHR; number of accelerations; number of decelerations; length of high variation episodes; short-term variability (STV); total trace duration time; and number of fetal active movements. Non-stress test (NST) parameters in the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test for continuous data, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: We found a significantly lower number of active fetal movements (p 1/4 0.007) and longer periods of low variation (p 1/4 0.047) in the cCTG of black patients when compared with white patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, identifying the factors responsible for the variance in the objective analysis of CTG results is important to improve the outcomes of patients. Our study lends further evidence as to the importance of ethnicity in clinical cCTG interpretation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Especulamos que disparidade genética racial exist ana vida do feto, e que possa ser detectada por moderna cardiotocografia computadorizada (cCTG). Métodos: Estudo retrospective comparando resultados do cCTG de gestantes entre 37-42 semanas de gestação de acordo com etnicidade dos pais (negro vs. brancos). cCTG foi usado para analisar as variáveis a frequência cardíaca do feto (FHR). As variáveis abalizadas do cCTG foram o % de perda de sinal, número de contrações, basal FHR, número de acelerações, número de desacelerações, comprimento dos episódios de alta variação, viabilidade de curto prazo, tempo total de duração do rastreamento, e número de movimentos de atividade fetal. Os parâmetros do teste de não estresse (NST) em dois grupos foram comparados usando o teste de Mann-Whitney para dados contínuos e teste qui-square para variáveis categóricas. Resultados: Encontramos números significativamente mais baixos de movimentos de atividade fetal (p 1/4 0,007) e períodos mais longos de baixa variação (p 1/4 0,047) no cCTG de pacientes negros se comparados a pacientes brancos. Conclusões: Identificar fatores responsáveis pela variação na análise objetiva dos resultados de CTG é importante em resultados de pacientes que apresentam melhora. Nosso estudo fornece evidências adicionais à importância de estudos clínicos da etnicidade interpretada pelo cCTG.

Assessment of fetal development by HRV and chaotic global techniques

INTRODUCTION: Fetal heart rate and its variability during the course of gestation have been extensively researched. The overall reduction in heart rate and increase in fetal HRV is associated with fetal growth and the increase in neural integration. The increased complexity of the demands on the cardiovascular system leads to more variation in the temporal course of the heart rate which has been shown to be reflected in measures of complexity. The aim of this work was to investigate novel complexity measures with respect to their ability to quantify changes over gestational age in individual fetuses consistently and in a stable manner. METHODS: We examined 215 fetal magnetocardiograms (FMCG), each of 5 min duration, in 11 fetuses during the second and third trimesters (at least 10 data sets per fetus). From the FMCG we determined the fetal RR beat durations. For each 5 min time-series of RR intervals we then calculated Shannon entropy, high spectral entropy, high spectral Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, spectral Multi-Taper Method as well as the standard deviation and two commonly used complexity measures: Approximate Entropy and Sample Entropy. For each subject and HRV measure, we performed regression analysis with respect to gestational age. The coefficient of determination R² was used to estimate 'goodness-of-fit', the slope of the regression indicated the strength of the individual dependency on gestational age. RESULTS: We found that the new complexity measures do not outperform ApEn. CONCLUSION: This study has now rejected the hypothesis that the spectral complexity measures outperform those applied previously.

INTRODUÇÃO: A freqüência cardíaca fetal e da sua variabilidade durante o curso da gestação têm sido extensivamente pesquisada. A redução global da frequência cardíaca e aumento da VFC fetal está associada com o crescimento fetal e aumento da integração neural. O aumento da complexidade das exigências sobre o sistema cardiovascular conduz a uma maior variação no decurso temporal da frequência cardíaca o que foi mostrado para reflectir-se medidas de complexidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar medidas de complexidade novos em relação à sua capacidade de quantificar as mudanças ao longo da idade gestacional em fetos individuais de forma consistente e de forma estável. MÉTODO: Foram examinados 215 magnetocardiograms fetais (FMCG), cada um dos 5 min de duração, em 11 fetos durante o segundo e terceiro trimestres (pelo menos 10 conjuntos de dados por feto). A partir do grande consumo determinamos as durações RR batimento fetais. Para cada série temporal 5 min dos intervalos RR então calculada Shannon entropia, alta entropia espectral, alta espectral Destendenciada Análise Flutuação, espectral Multi-Taper Método, bem como o desvio padrão e duas medidas de complexidade comumente utilizados: aproximado Entropia e Amostra Entropia. Para cada medida assunto e HRV, foi realizada análise de regressão em relação à idade gestacional. O coeficiente de determinação R² foi usada para estimar a "o bem-of-fit", a inclinação da regressão indicou a força do indivíduo dependência da idade gestacional. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que as novas medidas de complexidade não superar ApEn. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo agora rejeitou a hipótese de que as medidas de complexidade espectrais superar os aplicados anteriormente.

Effect of Music Intervention on Maternal Anxiety and Fetal Heart Rate Pattern During Non-Stress Test

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-over experimental study was to examine effects of music intervention on maternal anxiety, fetal heart rate pattern and testing time during non-stress tests (NST) for antenatal fetal assessment. METHODS: Sixty pregnant women within 28 to 40 gestational weeks were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=30) or control group (n=30). Music intervention was provided to pregnant women in the experimental group during NST. Degree of maternal anxiety and fetal heart rate pattern were our primary outcomes. State-trait anxiety inventory, blood pressure, pulse rate, and changes in peripheral skin temperature were assessed to determine the degree of maternal anxiety. Baseline fetal heart rate, frequency of acceleration in fetal heart rate, fetal movement test and testing time for reactive NST were assessed to measure the fetal heart rate pattern. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly lower scores in state anxiety than the control group. There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure and pulse rate between the two groups. Baseline fetal heart rate was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Frequency of acceleration in fetal heart rate was significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in fetal movement and testing time for reactive NST between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Present results suggest that music intervention could be an effective nursing intervention for alel viating anxiety during non-stress test.

Fetal heart rate monitoring: from Doppler to computerized analysis

The monitoring of fetal heart rate (FHR) status is an important method to check well-being of the baby during labor. Since the electronic FHR monitoring was introduced 40 years ago, it has been expected to be an innovative screening test to detect fetuses who are becoming hypoxic and who may benefit from cesarean delivery or operative vaginal delivery. However, several randomized controlled trials have failed to prove that electronic FHR monitoring had any benefit of reducing the perinatal mortality and morbidity. Also it is now clear that the FHR monitoring had high intra- and interobserver disagreements and increased the rate of cesarean delivery. Despite such limitations, the FHR monitoring is still one of the most important obstetric procedures in clinical practice, and the cardiotocogram is the most-used equipment. To supplement cardiotocogram, new methods of computerized FHR analysis and electrocardiogram have been developed, and several clinical researches have been currently performed. Computerized equipment makes us to analyze beat-to-beat variability and short term heart rate patterns. Furthermore, researches about multiparameters of FHR variability will be ongoing.