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Interpretation of Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring in the Clinical Context. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 63:625-634. [PMID: 32735415 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Use of intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has had limited success in preventing hypoxic injury to neonates. One of the most common limitations of FHR interpretation is the failure to consider chronic and acute clinical factors that may increase the risk of evolving acidemia. This manuscript reviews common clinical factors that may affect the FHR and should be considered when determining the need for early intervention based on changes in the FHR.
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Dall'asta A, Ghi T, Mappa I, Maqina P, Frusca T, Rizzo G. Intrapartum Doppler ultrasound: where are we now? Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:94-102. [PMID: 33215908 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.20.04698-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Intrapartum hypoxic events most commonly occur in low-risk pregnancies with appropriately grown fetuses. Continuous intrapartum monitoring by means of cardiotocography has not demonstrated a reduction in the frequency of adverse perinatal outcome but has been linked with an increase in the caesarean section rate, particularly among women considered at low risk. Available data from the literature suggests that abnormalities in the uterine artery Doppler and in the ratio between fetal cerebral and umbilical Doppler (i.e. cerebroplacental ratio [CPR]) are associated with conditions of subclinical placental function occurring in fetuses who have failed to achieve their growth potential regardless of their actual size. In this review we summarize the available evidence on the use of intrapartum Doppler ultrasound for the fetal surveillance during labor and the identification of the fetuses at risk of intrapartum distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dall'asta
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy -
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK -
| | - Tullio Ghi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilenia Mappa
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Cristo Re Hospital, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pavjola Maqina
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Cristo Re Hospital, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Frusca
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Cristo Re Hospital, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Prouhèze A, Girault A, Barrois M, Lepercq J, Goffinet F, Le Ray C. Fetal scalp blood sampling: Do pH and lactates provide the same information? J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 50:101964. [PMID: 33130281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess the discordance between scalp pH and lactates performed from the same sample during labor. METHOD This single-center retrospective study included all women with a singleton fetus who had at least one fetal blood sample taken during labor. Some of them had up to seven samples. Scalp pH was the reference parameter for obstetric decision-making. The correlation between the pH and lactates was studied using Pearson coefficient. By categorizing the values as normal, pre-acidosis and acidosis, we were able to estimate agreement with Cohen's kappa coefficient. The frequency of discordance in the categorization and the factors related to it were studied with univariate and multivariable analyses. Cases of severe acidosis at birth (cord pH < 7.00) and cases with acidosis scalp lactates but normal scalp pH were analyzed. RESULTS We analyzed 480 samples from 268 fetuses among the 2644 deliveries during the study periode. Fetal blood sampling represented 10 % of deliveries. The scalp pH and lactates results were strongly correlated (r=-0.83), but their agreement was only fair (K = 0.36). In 29.4 % of cases, pH and lactates were discordant. Factors related to discordance were meconium-stained fluid, sampling at full dilation and multiple sampling. Six infants (2.2 %) had severe acidosis at birth. Cases' analyses did not allow to conclude severe acidosis could have been avoided using scalp lactates for obstetric decision-making. CONCLUSION For more than a quarter of the samples, results were discordant between scalp pH and lactates, especially when cervix was full dilated and when the amniotic fluid was meconium-stained. A randomized controlled trial comparing the relevance of each parameter according to the obstetrical situation would be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Prouhèze
- Maternity of Port-Royal, AP-HP. APHP., Paris University Center, FHU PREMA, Paris, France.
| | - Aude Girault
- Maternity of Port-Royal, AP-HP. APHP., Paris University Center, FHU PREMA, Paris, France; Paris University, INSERM U1153, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center of Research on Epidemiology and Statisctics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Barrois
- Maternity of Port-Royal, AP-HP. APHP., Paris University Center, FHU PREMA, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Lepercq
- Maternity of Port-Royal, AP-HP. APHP., Paris University Center, FHU PREMA, Paris, France
| | - François Goffinet
- Maternity of Port-Royal, AP-HP. APHP., Paris University Center, FHU PREMA, Paris, France; Paris University, INSERM U1153, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center of Research on Epidemiology and Statisctics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Paris, France
| | - Camille Le Ray
- Maternity of Port-Royal, AP-HP. APHP., Paris University Center, FHU PREMA, Paris, France; Paris University, INSERM U1153, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center of Research on Epidemiology and Statisctics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Paris, France
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The physiology of intrapartum fetal compromise at term. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 222:17-26. [PMID: 31351061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Uterine contractions in labor result in a 60% reduction in uteroplacental perfusion, causing transient fetal and placental hypoxia. A healthy term fetus with a normally developed placenta is able to accommodate this transient hypoxia by activation of the peripheral chemoreflex, resulting in a reduction in oxygen consumption and a centralization of oxygenated blood to critical organs, namely the heart, brain, and adrenals. Providing there is adequate time for placental and fetal reperfusion between contractions, these fetuses will be able to withstand prolonged periods of intermittent hypoxia and avoid severe hypoxic injury. However, there exists a cohort of fetuses in whom abnormal placental development in the first half of pregnancy results in failure of endovascular invasion of the spiral arteries by the cytotrophoblastic cells and inadequate placental angiogenesis. This produces a high-resistance, low-flow circulation predisposing to hypoperfusion, hypoxia, reperfusion injury, and oxidative stress within the placenta. Furthermore, this renders the placenta susceptible to fluctuations and reduction in uteroplacental perfusion in response to external compression and stimuli (as occurs in labor), further reducing fetal capillary perfusion, placing the fetus at risk of inadequate gas/nutrient exchange. This placental dysfunction predisposes the fetus to intrapartum fetal compromise. In the absence of a rare catastrophic event, intrapartum fetal compromise occurs as a gradual process when there is an inability of the fetal heart to respond to the peripheral chemoreflex to maintain cardiac output. This may arise as a consequence of placental dysfunction reducing pre-labor myocardial glycogen stores necessary for anaerobic metabolism or due to an inadequate placental perfusion between contractions to restore fetal oxygen and nutrient exchange. If the hypoxic insult is severe enough and long enough, profound multiorgan injury and even death may occur. This review provides a detailed synopsis of the events that can result in placental dysfunction, how this may predispose to intrapartum fetal hypoxia, and what protective mechanisms are in place to avoid hypoxic injury.
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Prior T, Kumar S. Expert review--identification of intra-partum fetal compromise. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 190:1-6. [PMID: 25917435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
Whilst most cases of cerebral palsy occur as a consequence of an ante-natal insult, a significant proportion, particularly in the term fetus, are attributable to intra-partum hypoxia. Intra-partum monitoring using continuous fetal heart rate assessment has led to an increased incidence of operative delivery without a concurrent reduction in the incidence of cerebral palsy. Despite this, birth asphyxia remains the strongest and most consistent risk factor for cerebral palsy in term infants. This review evaluates current intra-partum monitoring techniques as well as alternative approaches aimed at better identification of the fetus at risk of compromise in labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Prior
- Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK; Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London W12 0HS, UK; Mater Research Institute/University of Queensland, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.
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Tonni G, Leoncini S, Signorini C, Ciccoli L, De Felice C. Pathology of perinatal brain damage: background and oxidative stress markers. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 290:13-20. [PMID: 24643805 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review historical scientific background and new perspective on the pathology of perinatal brain damage. The relationship between birth asphyxia and subsequent cerebral palsy has been extensively investigated. The role of new and promising clinical markers of oxidative stress (OS) is presented. METHODS Electronic search of PubMed-Medline/EMBASE database has been performed. Laboratory and clinical data involving case series from the research group are reported. RESULTS The neuropathology of birth asphyxia and subsequent perinatal brain damage as well as the role of electronic fetal monitoring are reported following a review of the medical literature. CONCLUSIONS This review focuses on OS mechanisms underlying the neonatal brain damage and provides different perspective on the most reliable OS markers during the perinatal period. In particular, prior research work on neurodevelopmental diseases, such as Rett syndrome, suggests the measurement of oxidized fatty acid molecules (i.e., F4-Neuroprostanes and F2-Dihomo-Isoprostanes) closely related to brain white and gray matter oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Tonni
- Prenatal Diagnostic Service, Guastalla Civil Hospital, AUSL Reggio Emilia, Via Donatori Sangue, 1, 42016, Guastalla, Reggio Emilia, Italy,
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LILJESTRÖM LENA, WIKSTRÖM ANNAKARIN, HANSON ULF, ÅKERUD HELENA, JONSSON MARIA. Evaluation of the discrepancy between pH and lactate
in combined fetal scalp blood sampling. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2011; 90:1088-93. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0412.2011.01228.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Farine D, Shenhav M, Barnea O, Jaffa A, Fox HE. The need for a new outlook on labor monitoring. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 19:161-4. [PMID: 16690509 DOI: 10.1080/14767050500526107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Fetal heart rate monitors, including the newer pulse-oximetry and STAN monitors, are designed to detect fetal distress that affects less than 1% of women in labor. Non-progressive labor is a much more common disorder than fetal distress, with approximately 50% of women in labor requiring oxytocin. Current technology assessing labor progress is subjective and inaccurate. There is a need for objective and accurate technology to measure labor progress and the effect it may have on managing labor and, specifically, non-progressive labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Farine
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
Despite almost universal fetal monitoring during labor, debates over its role and benefits persist in the medical community and in obstetric negligence lawsuits. Irrespective, there is widespread agreement that improvement in perinatal outcome is possible and that the events of labor contribute significantly to perinatal hazards. Timely application and proper interpretation of the fetal heart rate pattern in concert with evaluations of the maternal condition and the feasibility of safe vaginal delivery permit an evaluation of the quality of care and the preventability of fetal injury whether in peer review or in malpractice cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S Schifrin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente-Los Angeles Medical Center, 6345 Balboa Blvd., Bldg. II, Suite 245, Encino, CA 91316, USA.
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Dildy GA. Intrapartum Assessment of the Fetus: Historical and Evidence-Based Practice. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2005; 32:255-71, ix. [PMID: 15899359 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2005.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The principal purpose of intrapartum fetal assessment is to detect hypoxemia-ischemia, which may lead to fetal jeopardy. A quarter century ago, electronic fetal monitoring replaced intermittent auscultation as the primary method of intrapartum fetal assessment in the United States. It seems that electronic fetal monitoring will continue to be the primary mode of intrapartum fetal assessment, with intermittent auscultation used in some centers primarily for low-risk parturients. From this abridged history of intrapartum fetal monitoring, it is recognized that all surveillance methods bear inherent limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Dildy
- Section of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LSU Health Sciences Center, 1542 Tulane Avenue, Room 517, New Orleans, LA 70112-2822, USA.
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Li X, Tang D, Zhou S, Zhou G, Wang C, Zhuang Y, Wu G, Shen L. Redistribution of power spectrum of heart rate variability during acute umbilical artery embolism and hypoxemia in late-gestation fetal sheep. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2004; 114:137-43. [PMID: 15140505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2003.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2003] [Revised: 08/04/2003] [Accepted: 10/08/2003] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTS Fetal heart rate variability (HRV) is subject to a number of factors, including fetal distress. The aim of this study was to investigate the power spectral distribution of fetal heart rate variability during acute hypoxemia following umbilical artery embolism and to test the hypothesis that the relative proportion of frequency domains in total power of HRV, reflects the changes in HRV during hypoxemia more closely than the absolute values. METHODS Acute hypoxemia was induced in seven catheterized late-gestation fetal sheep by repeated injections of microspheres to cause umbilical artery embolism. The very-low, low-, middle- and high-frequency domains (0-0.025, 0.025-0.125, 0.125-0.20, and 0.20-0.50 cycles/beat, respectively) were determined by power spectral analysis. RESULTS Umbilical artery embolism induced marked fetal hypoxemia, hypercapnia and acidosis, accompanied by an increase in heart rate and a decrease in arterial blood pressure. These changes were associated with the increase in power over the entire frequency range and in the relative power in the low-frequency range (P<0.01), and with decrease in the relative power in the high-frequency range (P<0.05). Correlations were found between the relative power in the low- and high-frequency ranges and PO2 and between the relative power in these ranges and mean arterial blood pressure (P<0.05), but not PCO2 or pH. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that acute hypoxemia induced by umbilical artery embolism leads to the redistribution of power spectral density of fetal HRV and that the relative proportion of individual frequency domains may reflect the changes in HRV during acute hypoxemia more closely than the absolute power values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Li
- The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 419 Fangxie Road, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Van de Velde M, Pexsters A, Hanssens M. Fetal assessment: do newer technologies offer better assessment and outcomes? Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2003; 16:253-6. [PMID: 17021467 DOI: 10.1097/00001503-200306000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW The present manuscript reviews recent data on fetal intrapartum surveillance with special attention to new technologies. RECENT FINDINGS Continuous fetal heart-rate monitoring, fetal blood sampling, intrapartum stimulation tests, fetal pulse oximetry and fetal electrocardiography will be reviewed. SUMMARY From the available data it appears that to date the analysis of the sinus tachycardia segment of the fetal electrocardiography used in conjunction with continuous fetal heart-rate monitoring is the method of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Van de Velde
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Blumenthal
- Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham OL1 2JH, UK.
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