ABSTRACT
Fetal activity acceleration determination (FAD) was performed 462 times on a total of 410 patients for the evaluation of fetal reserve. Simultaneous oxytocin challenge test (OCT) was performed 324 times to evaluate the correlation between the two tests. In 308 instances, FAD was positive and OCT was either negative or probably negative. In 2 cases with inadequate FAD results the simultaneous OCT was suspicious and positive. In four instances of negative FAD the simultaneous OCT was positive. The correlation between the two tests was excellent. The outcome of all cases with positive FAD was also excellent. The result of the present study strongly suggests that the positive FAD indeed provides reassurance of fetal well-being. Only the inadequate or negative FAD requires the performance of an OCT for further evaluation of the fetal condition.
Subject(s)
Fetal Heart/physiology , Fetus/physiology , Heart Rate , Uterine Contraction , Delivery, Obstetric , Female , Fetal Distress/diagnosis , Humans , Monitoring, Physiologic , Oxytocin , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications , Pregnancy, Prolonged , Prenatal Diagnosis , Uterine Contraction/drug effectsABSTRACT
Fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations have never been fully investigated. These accelerations are responses of the healthy fetus to various stimuli and stresses. Observations and proper evaluation of FHR acceleration patterns will give reassurance of fetal well-being. The fetal activity acceleration acceleration determination (FAD) is a method of antepartum evaluation of fetal well-being. The FAD can be used where the oxytocin challenge test is contraindicated. The physiologic bases of FHR accelerations are discussed. An attempt has been made to classify the FHR acceleration patterns.
