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Zhang B, Xu M, Pan C, Chen N, Shi L, Zhou Y, Liu T. Effect of dural puncture epidural block technique on fetal heart rate variability during labor analgesia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2370398. [PMID: 38937119 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2370398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effect of dural puncture epidural (DPE) block technique on fetal heart rate variability (HRV) during labor analgesia. METHODS Sixty full-term primiparas who were in our hospital from April 2021 to October 2021 were selected and randomized into epidural analgesia (CEA) and dural puncture epidural analgesia (DPEA) groups (n = 30). After a successful epidural puncture, routine epidural catheter (EC) was performed in CEA group, and spinal anesthesia needle (as an EC) was used to puncture the dura mater to subarachnoid space in DPE group. Anesthetics were injected through EC. The time when the temperature sensation plane reached T10 (W1) and visual analog pain score (VAS), baseline heart rate score, amplitude variation score, cycle variation score, acceleration score, deceleration score, and total score of the first contraction after W1 were recorded. Apgar scores at 1 min, 5 min, and 10 min of neonates after delivery were recorded. RESULTS The onset time of anesthesia in CEA group was significantly longer than that in DPEA group (p < .05). However, there are no significant differences in W1, VAS, baseline heart rate score, amplitude variation score, cycle variation score, acceleration score, deceleration score, and total score of the first contraction after W1 between the two groups (p > .05). Moreover, the Apgar scores at 1 min, 5 min and 10 min of neonates after delivery were not notably different between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION Compared with CEA, DPE block technique in labor analgesia relieves maternal pain without adverse effects on fetal HRV and newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chao Pan
- Taihe People's Hospital, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Taihe People's Hospital, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Liping Shi
- Taihe People's Hospital, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yongxin Zhou
- Taihe People's Hospital, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Taihe People's Hospital, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
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Zullo F, Di Mascio D, Raghuraman N, Wagner S, Brunelli R, Giancotti A, Mendez-Figueroa H, Cahill AG, Gupta M, Berghella V, Blackwell SC, Chauhan SP. Three-tiered fetal heart rate interpretation system and adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:377-387. [PMID: 37044237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the rate of adverse neonatal or maternal outcomes in parturients with fetal heart rate tracings categorized as I, II or, III within the last 30 to 120 minutes of delivery. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE Ovid, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched electronically up to May 2022, using combinations of the relevant medical subject heading terms, keywords, and word variants that were considered suitable for the topic. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Only observational studies of term infants reporting outcomes of interest with category I, II, or III fetal heart rate tracings were included. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS The coprimary outcome was the rate of either Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes or umbilical artery pH <7.00. Secondary outcomes were divided into neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effect meta-analyses of proportions were used to estimate the pooled rates of each categorical outcome in fetal heart rate tracing category I, II, and III patterns, and random-effect head-to-head meta-analyses were used to directly compare fetal heart rate tracings category I vs II and fetal heart rate tracing category II vs III, expressing the results as summary odds ratio or as mean differences with relative 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Of the 671 articles reviewed, 3 publications met the inclusion criteria. Among them were 47,648 singletons at ≥37 weeks' gestation. Fetal heart rate tracings in the last 30 to 120 minutes before delivery were characterized in the following manner: 27.0% of deliveries had category I tracings, 72.9% had category II tracings, and 0.1% had category III tracings. A single study, which was rated to be of poor quality, contributed 82.1% of the data and it did not provide any data for category III fetal heart rate tracings. When compared with category I fetal heart rate tracings (0.74%), the incidence of an Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes were significantly higher among deliveries with category II fetal heart rate tracings (1.51%) (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.99) and among those with category III tracings (14.63%) (odds ratio, 14.46; 95% confidence interval, 2.77-75.39). When compared with category II tracings, category III tracings also had a significantly higher likelihood of a low Apgar score at 5 minutes (odds ratio, 14.46; 95% confidence interval, 2.77-75.39). The incidence of an umbilical artery pH <7.00 were similar among those with category I and those with category II tracings (0.08% vs 0.24%; odds ratio, 2.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-19.55). When compared with category I tracings, the incidence of an umbilical artery pH <7.00 was significantly more common among those with category III tracings (31.04%; odds ratio, 161.56; 95% confidence interval, 25.18-1036.42); likewise, when compared with those with category II tracings, those with category III tracings had a significantly higher likelihood of having an umbilical artery pH <7.00 (odds ratio, 42.29; 95% confidence interval, 14.29-125.10). Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy occurred with similar frequency among those with categories I and those with category II tracings (0 vs 0.81%; odds ratio, 5.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-45.89) but was significantly more common among those with category III tracings (0 vs 18.97%; odds ratio, 61.43; 95% confidence interval, 7.49-503.50). Cesarean delivery occurred with similar frequency among those with category I (13.41%) and those with category II tracings (11.92%) (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.05) but was significantly more common among those with with category III tracings (14.28%) (odds ratio, 3.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-9.75). When compared with those with category II tracings, cesarean delivery was more common among those with category III tracings (odds ratio, 4.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.88-11.01). CONCLUSION Although the incidence of an Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes and umbilical artery pH <7.00 increased significantly with increasing fetal heart rate tracing category, about 98% of newborns with category II tracings do not have these adverse outcomes. The 3-tiered fetal heart rate tracing interpretation system provides an approximate but imprecise measurement of neonatal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Zullo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Di Mascio
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nandini Raghuraman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Steve Wagner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Giancotti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Hector Mendez-Figueroa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Alison G Cahill
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Megha Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Vincenzo Berghella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sean C Blackwell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Suneet P Chauhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.
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Jia YJ, Ghi T, Pereira S, Gracia Perez-Bonfils A, Chandraharan E. Pathophysiological interpretation of fetal heart rate tracings in clinical practice. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:622-644. [PMID: 37270259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The onset of regular, strong, and progressive uterine contractions may result in both mechanical (compression of the fetal head and/or umbilical cord) and hypoxic (repetitive and sustained compression of the umbilical cord or reduction in uteroplacental oxygenation) stresses to a human fetus. Most fetuses are able to mount effective compensatory responses to avoid hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and perinatal death secondary to the onset of anaerobic metabolism within the myocardium, culminating in myocardial lactic acidosis. In addition, the presence of fetal hemoglobin, which has a higher affinity for oxygen even at low partial pressures of oxygen than the adult hemoglobin, especially increased amounts of fetal hemoglobin (ie, 180-220 g/L in fetuses vs 110-140 g/L in adults), helps the fetus to withstand hypoxic stresses during labor. Different national and international guidelines are currently being used for intrapartum fetal heart rate interpretation. These traditional classification systems for fetal heart rate interpretation during labor are based on grouping certain features of fetal heart rate (ie, baseline fetal heart rate, baseline variability, accelerations, and decelerations) into different categories (eg, category I, II, and III tracings, "normal, suspicious, and pathologic" or "normal, intermediary, and abnormal"). These guidelines differ from each other because of the features included within different categories and because of their arbitrary time limits stipulated for each feature to warrant an obstetrical intervention. This approach fails to individualize care because the "ranges of normality" for stipulated parameters apply to the population of human fetuses and not to the individual fetus in question. Moreover, different fetuses have different reserves and compensatory responses and different intrauterine environments (presence of meconium staining of amniotic fluid, intrauterine inflammation, and the nature of uterine activity). Pathophysiological interpretation of fetal heart rate tracing is based on the application of the knowledge of fetal responses to intrapartum mechanical and/or hypoxic stress in clinical practice. Both experimental animal studies and observational human studies suggest that, just like adults undertaking a treadmill exercise, human fetuses show predictable compensatory responses to a progressively evolving intrapartum hypoxic stress. These responses include the onset of decelerations to reduce myocardial workload and preserve aerobic metabolism, loss of accelerations to abolish nonessential somatic body movements, and catecholamine-mediated increases in the baseline fetal heart rate and effective redistribution and centralization to protect the fetal central organs (ie, the heart, brain, and adrenal glands), which are essential for intrauterine survival. Moreover, it is essential to incorporate the clinical context (progress of labor, fetal size and reserves, presence of meconium staining of amniotic fluid and intrauterine inflammation, and fetal anemia) and understand the features suggestive of fetal compromise in nonhypoxic pathways (eg, chorioamnionitis and fetomaternal hemorrhage). It is important to appreciate that the timely recognition of the speed of onset of intrapartum hypoxia (ie, acute, subacute, and gradually evolving) and preexisting uteroplacental insufficiency (ie, chronic hypoxia) on fetal heart rate tracing is crucial to improve perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ju Jia
- Department of Obstetrics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
| | - Tullio Ghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Susana Pereira
- Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Kingston upon Thames, England, United Kingdom
| | | | - Edwin Chandraharan
- Basildon University Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon, United Kingdom.
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Loussert L, Berveiller P, Magadoux A, Allouche M, Vayssiere C, Garabedian C, Guerby P. Association between marked fetal heart rate variability and neonatal acidosis: A prospective cohort study. BJOG 2023; 130:407-414. [PMID: 36398385 PMCID: PMC10108100 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between marked variability in fetal heart rate (FHR) and neonatal acidosis. DESIGN Bicentric prospective cohort study. SETTING From January 2019 to December 2019, in two French tertiary care maternity units. POPULATION Women in labour at ≥37 weeks of gestation, with continuous FHR monitoring until delivery and with the availability of umbilical arterial pH. Women with intrauterine fetal death or medical termination, multiple pregnancies, non-cephalic presentation or planned caesarean delivery were excluded. METHODS The exposure was marked variability in FHR in the 60 minutes before delivery, defined as a variability greater than 25 beats per minute, with a minimum duration of 1 minute. To assess the association between marked variability and neonatal acidosis, we used multivariable modified Poisson regression modelling. We then conducted subgroup analyses according to the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) category of the associated fetal heart rate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Neonatal acidosis, defined as an umbilical artery pH of ≤7.10. RESULTS Among the 4394 women included, 177 (4%) had marked variability in fetal heart rate in the 60 minutes before delivery. Acidosis occurred in 6.0% (265/4394) of the neonates. In the multivariable analysis, marked variability was significantly associated with neonatal acidosis (aRR 2.30, 95% CI 1.53-3.44). In subgroup analyses, the association between marked variability and neonatal acidosis remained significant in NICHD category-I and category-II groups. CONCLUSIONS Marked variability was associated with a twofold increased risk of neonatal acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Loussert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Paul Berveiller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHI Poissy, Paris, France
| | - Alexia Magadoux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHI Poissy, Paris, France
| | - Michael Allouche
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Christophe Vayssiere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,CERPOP, UMR 1295, Team SPHERE (Study of Perinatal, Pediatric and Adolescent Health: Epidemiological Research and Evaluation) Toulouse III University, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Paul Guerby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR 5051, University Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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5
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Tarvonen MJ, Lear CA, Andersson S, Gunn AJ, Teramo KA. Increased variability of fetal heart rate during labour: a review of preclinical and clinical studies. BJOG 2022; 129:2070-2081. [PMID: 35596699 PMCID: PMC9796294 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Increased fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) in intrapartum cardiotocographic recording has been variably defined and poorly understood, limiting its clinical utility. Both preclinical (animal) and clinical (human) evidence support that increased FHRV is observed in the early stage of intrapartum fetal hypoxaemia but can also be observed in a subset of fetuses during the preterminal stage of repeated hypoxaemia. This review of available evidence provides data and expert opinion on the pathophysiology of increased FHRV, its clinical significance and a stepwise approach regarding the management of this pattern, and propose recommendations for standardisation of related terminology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko J. Tarvonen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Helsinki, and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Christopher A. Lear
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience GroupDepartment of PhysiologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Sture Andersson
- Children’s Hospital, Paediatric Research CentreUniversity of Helsinki, and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience GroupDepartment of PhysiologyUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Kari A. Teramo
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyUniversity of Helsinki, and Helsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
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Tournier A, Beacom M, Westgate JA, Bennet L, Garabedian C, Ugwumadu A, Gunn AJ, Lear CA. Physiological control of fetal heart rate variability during labour: Implications and controversies. J Physiol 2021; 600:431-450. [PMID: 34951476 DOI: 10.1113/jp282276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The interpretation of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns is the only available method to continuously monitor fetal wellbeing during labour. One of the most important yet contentious aspects of the FHR pattern is changes in FHR variability (FHRV). Some clinical studies suggest that loss of FHRV during labour is a sign of fetal compromise so this is reflected in practice guidelines. Surprisingly, there is little systematic evidence to support this observation. In this review we methodically dissect the potential pathways controlling FHRV during labour-like hypoxaemia. Before labour, FHRV is controlled by the combined activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, in part regulated by a complex interplay between fetal sleep state and behaviour. By contrast, preclinical studies using multiple autonomic blockades have now shown that sympathetic neural control of FHRV was potently suppressed between periods of labour-like hypoxaemia, and thus, that the parasympathetic system is the sole neural regulator of FHRV once FHR decelerations are present during labour. We further discuss the pattern of changes in FHRV during progressive fetal compromise and highlight potential biochemical, behavioural and clinical factors that may regulate parasympathetic-mediated FHRV during labour. Further studies are needed to investigate the regulators of parasympathetic activity to better understand the dynamic changes in FHRV and their true utility during labour. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexane Tournier
- Department of Obstetrics, Universite de Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS, Lille, F 59000, France
| | - Michael Beacom
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny A Westgate
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles Garabedian
- Department of Obstetrics, Universite de Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS, Lille, F 59000, France
| | - Austin Ugwumadu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christopher A Lear
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Statello R, Carnevali L, Sgoifo A, Miragoli M, Pisani F. Heart rate variability in neonatal seizures: Investigation and implications for management. Neurophysiol Clin 2021; 51:483-492. [PMID: 34774410 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many factors acting during the neonatal period can affect neurological development of the infant. Neonatal seizures (NS) that frequently occur in the immature brain may influence autonomic maturation and lead to detectable cardiovascular signs. These autonomic manifestations can also have significant diagnostic and prognostic value. The analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) represents the most used and feasible method to evaluate cardiac autonomic regulation. This narrative review summarizes studies investigating HRV dynamics in newborns with seizures, with the aim of highlighting the potential utility of HRV measures for seizure detection and management. While HRV analysis in critically ill newborns is influenced by many potential confounders, we suggest that it can enhance the ability to better diagnose seizures in the clinical setting. We present potential applications of the analysis of HRV, which could have a useful future role, beyond the research setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Statello
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Sgoifo
- Stress Physiology Lab, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Miragoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Departement of Molecular Cardiology, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rozzano MI, Italy.
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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8
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Maeda Y, Lear CA, Beacom MJ, Davidson JO, Zhou KQ, Gunning M, Ikeda T, Gunn AJ, Bennet L. Transient effects of forebrain ischemia on fetal heart rate variability in fetal sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R916-R924. [PMID: 33881362 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00032.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) is a key index of antenatal and intrapartum fetal well-being. FHRV is well established to be mediated by both arms of the autonomic nervous system, but it remains unknown whether higher centers in the forebrain contribute to FHRV. We tested the hypothesis that selective forebrain ischemia would impair the generation of FHRV. Sixteen chronically instrumented near-term fetal sheep were subjected to either forebrain ischemia induced by bilateral carotid occlusion or sham-ischemia for 30 min. Time, frequency, and nonlinear measures of FHRV were assessed during and for seven days after ischemia. Ischemia was associated with profound suppression of electroencephalographic (EEG) power, which remained suppressed throughout the recovery period (P < 0.001). During the first 5 min of ischemia, multiple time and frequency domain measures were increased (all P < 0.05) before returning back to sham levels. A delayed increase in sample entropy was observed during ischemia (P < 0.05). For the first 3 h after ischemia, there was moderate suppression of two measures of FHRV (very-low frequency power and the standard deviation of RR-intervals, both P < 0.05) and increased sample entropy (P < 0.05). Thereafter, all measures of FHRV returned to control levels. In conclusion, profound forebrain ischemia sufficient to lead to severe neural injury had only transient effect on multiple measures of FHRV. These findings suggest that the forebrain makes a limited contribution to FHRV. FHRV therefore primarily originates in the hindbrain and is unlikely to provide meaningful information on forebrain neurodevelopment or metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Maeda
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Christopher A Lear
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael J Beacom
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanne O Davidson
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kelly Q Zhou
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mark Gunning
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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9
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Lear CA, Westgate JA, Kasai M, Beacom MJ, Maeda Y, Magawa S, Miyagi E, Ikeda T, Bennet L, Gunn AJ. Reply to the "Letter to the Editor: measurement of fetal parasympathetic activity during labor: a new pathway for evaluation of fetal well-being?". Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R469-R470. [PMID: 33793343 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00024.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Lear
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny A Westgate
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michi Kasai
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Michael J Beacom
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Shoichi Magawa
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Etsuko Miyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Tarvonen M, Hovi P, Sainio S, Vuorela P, Andersson S, Teramo K. Factors associated with intrapartum ZigZag pattern of fetal heart rate: A retrospective one-year cohort study of 5150 singleton childbirths. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 258:118-125. [PMID: 33421808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recent studies suggest that intrapartum ZigZag pattern of fetal heart rate (FHR) is significantly associated with cord blood acidaemia and neonatal complications. For the clinical significance of this pattern, it is mandatory that ZigZag episodes in cardiotocographic (CTG) recording are correctly identified. The aim of the present study was to examine maternal, fetal and delivery-related factors that could explain the occurrence of ZigZag pattern of FHR during the last 2 h of labour in a large obstetric cohort. STUDY DESIGN CTG recordings from 5150 singleton childbirths at ≥33 weeks of gestation during one year were evaluated retrospectively and blinded to pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a university hospital in Helsinki, Finland. All women in the cohort were in the active phase of labour with regular uterine contractions. ZigZag FHR pattern was defined as FHR baseline amplitude changes of >25 bpm with a duration of 2-30 min. The following maternal, fetal and labour/delivery-related variables were determined: maternal age, obesity (prepregnancy BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2), parity, preeclampsia, maternal fever ≥38.0 °C, smoking, gestational age at delivery, fetal sex, birth weight z-score, mode of delivery, and type of onset of labour. RESULTS ZigZag pattern occurred in 582/5150 (11.3 %) cases, and only in childbirths after 37 weeks of gestation. Fetal male gender (OR 3.29; 95 % CI 2.70-4.02), nulliparous pregnancy (OR 2.60; 95 % CI 2.15-3.15) and post-term gestational age (≥42 weeks) (OR 1.92; 95 % CI 1.47-2.48) were independently associated with the occurrence of ZigZag pattern. Among the three significant risk factors, clustering of two or three factors was associated with an increase of the ZigZag pattern occurrence risk to 5.0-16.4-fold (95 % CI 3.16-31.60). CONCLUSIONS ZigZag pattern occurred in term pregnancies after 37 weeks of gestation only. Fetal male gender, nulliparity and post-term pregnancy are significantly associated with ZigZag FHR pattern during the last two hours of labour. Identification of maternal, fetal and delivery-related variables are imperative in order to interpret correctly the findings of CTG and to prevent adverse neonatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Tarvonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.
| | - Petteri Hovi
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland; Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Susanna Sainio
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piia Vuorela
- Health and Social Welfare Department, City of Vantaa, Finland
| | - Sture Andersson
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Kari Teramo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
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Tarvonen M, Hovi P, Sainio S, Vuorela P, Andersson S, Teramo K. Intrapartum zigzag pattern of fetal heart rate is an early sign of fetal hypoxia: A large obstetric retrospective cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 100:252-262. [PMID: 32981037 PMCID: PMC7894352 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the present study was to identify possible associations of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns during the last 2 hours of labor with fetal asphyxia expressed by umbilical artery acidemia at birth and with neonatal complications in a large obstetric cohort. Material and methods Cardiotocographic recordings from 4988 singleton term childbirths over 1 year were evaluated retrospectively and blinded to the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a university teaching hospital in Helsinki, Finland. Umbilical artery pH, base excess and pO2, low Apgar scores at 5 minutes, need for intubation and resuscitation, early neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal encephalopathy were used as outcome variables. According to the severity of the neonatal complications at birth, the cohort was divided into three groups: no complications (Group 1), moderate complications (Group 2) and severe complications (Group 3). Results Of the 4988 deliveries, the ZigZag pattern (FHR baseline amplitude changes of >25 bpm with a duration of 2‐30 minutes) occurred in 11.7%, late decelerations in 41.0%, bradycardia episodes in 52.9%, reduced variability in 36.7%, tachycardia episodes in 13.9% and uterine tachysystole in 4.6%. No case of saltatory pattern (baseline amplitude changes of >25 bpm with a duration of >30 minutes) was observed. The presence of the ZigZag pattern or late decelerations, or both, was associated with cord blood acidemia (odds ratio [OR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3‐4.7) and severe neonatal complications (Group 3) (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.4‐4.9). In contrast, no significant associations existed between the other FHR patterns and severe neonatal complications. ZigZag pattern preceded late decelerations in 88.7% of the cases. A normal FHR preceded the ZigZag pattern in 90.4% of the cases, whereas after ZigZag episodes, a normal FHR pattern was observed in only 0.9%. Conclusions ZigZag pattern and late decelerations during the last 2 hours of labor are significantly associated with cord blood acidemia at birth and neonatal complications. The ZigZag pattern precedes late decelerations, and the fact that normal FHR pattern precedes the ZigZag pattern in the majority of the cases suggests that the ZigZag pattern is an early sign of fetal hypoxia, which emphasizes its clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Tarvonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petteri Hovi
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.,Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Sainio
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piia Vuorela
- Health and Social Welfare Department, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Sture Andersson
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Teramo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Lear CA, Westgate JA, Kasai M, Beacom MJ, Maeda Y, Magawa S, Miyagi E, Ikeda T, Bennet L, Gunn AJ. Parasympathetic activity is the key regulator of heart rate variability between decelerations during brief repeated umbilical cord occlusions in fetal sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R541-R550. [PMID: 32877241 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00186.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) is a widely used index of intrapartum well being. Both arms of the autonomic system regulate FHRV under normoxic conditions in the antenatal period. However, autonomic control of FHRV during labor when the fetus is exposed to repeated, brief hypoxemia during uterine contractions is poorly understood. We have previously shown that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) does not regulate FHRV during labor-like hypoxia. We therefore investigated the hypothesis that the parasympathetic system is the main mediator of intrapartum FHRV. Twenty-six chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.85 of gestation received either bilateral cervical vagotomy (n = 7), atropine sulfate (n = 7), or sham treatment (control, n = 12), followed by three 1-min complete umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) separated by 4-min reperfusion periods. Parasympathetic blockade reduced three measures of FHRV before UCOs (all P < 0.01). Between UCOs, atropine and vagotomy were associated with marked tachycardia (both P < 0.005), suppressed measures of FHRV (all P < 0.01), and abolished FHRV on visual inspection compared with the control group. Tachycardia in the atropine and vagotomy groups resolved over the first 10 min after the final UCO, in association with evidence that the SNS contribution to FHRV progressively returned during this time. Our findings support that SNS control of FHRV is acutely suppressed for at least 4 min after a deep intrapartum deceleration and takes 5-10 min to recover. The parasympathetic system is therefore likely to be the key mediator of FHRV once frequent FHR decelerations are established during labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Lear
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny A Westgate
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michi Kasai
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Michael J Beacom
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Shoichi Magawa
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Etsuko Miyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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13
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Lear CA, Beacom MJ, Westgate JA, Magawa S, Ikeda T, Bennet L, Gunn AJ. Effects of β-adrenergic stimulation on fetal heart rate, heart rate variability, and T-wave elevation during brief umbilical cord occlusions in fetal sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R551-R559. [PMID: 32877238 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00221.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Circulating catecholamines are critical for fetal adaptation to hypoxia by regulating fetal heart rate (FHR) and promoting myocardial contractility and peripheral vasoconstriction. They have been hypothesized to contribute to changes in FHR variability (FHRV) and T-wave morphology, clinical indexes of fetal well-being during labor. β-Adrenergic blockade with propranolol does not affect FHRV during labor-like hypoxemia and only attenuated the increase in T-wave height between the episodes of hypoxemia. To further investigate the potential role of catecholamines, we investigated whether pharmacological β-adrenergic stimulation could increase FHRV and T-wave elevation during intermittent labor-like hypoxemia. Nineteen chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.85 of gestation received isoprenaline hydrochloride (n = 7) or saline (control, n = 12), followed by three 1-min complete umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) separated by 4-min reperfusion periods. Before the UCOs, infusion of isoprenaline increased FHR (P < 0.001), absolute-T/QRS ratio (P < 0.001), and one measure of FHRV [root-mean-square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), P < 0.05]. UCOs triggered deep FHR decelerations. During UCOs, isoprenaline was associated with increased FHR (P < 0.001) and absolute-T/QRS ratio (P < 0.05), but no effect on T/QRS ratio was observed when normalized to baseline before UCOs (normalized-T/QRS ratio). Between UCOs, isoprenaline increased FHR (P < 0.001) and absolute-T/QRS ratio (P < 0.05) but did not affect normalized-T/QRS ratio or any measures of FHRV. Arterial pressure was not affected by isoprenaline at any point. Our findings indicate that circulating catecholamines regulate FHR but not FHRV during labor-like hypoxemia and promote T-wave elevation between but not during intermittent fetal hypoxemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Lear
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael J Beacom
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny A Westgate
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shoichi Magawa
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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14
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Lear CA, Beacom MJ, Kasai M, Westgate JA, Galinsky R, Magawa S, Miyagi E, Ikeda T, Bennet L, Gunn AJ. Circulating catecholamines partially regulate T-wave morphology but not heart rate variability during repeated umbilical cord occlusions in fetal sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R123-R131. [PMID: 32491938 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00026.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fetal heart rate (FHR) variability (FHRV) and ST segment morphology are potential clinical indices of fetal well-being during labor. β-Adrenergic stimulation by circulating catecholamines has been hypothesized to contribute to both FHRV and ST segment morphology during labor, but this has not been tested during brief repeated fetal hypoxemia that is characteristic of labor. Near-term fetal sheep (0.85 gestation) received propranolol (β-adrenergic blockade; n = 10) or saline (n = 7) 30 min before being exposed to three 2-min complete umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) separated by 3-min reperfusions. T/QRS ratio was calculated throughout UCOs and reperfusion periods, and measures of FHRV (RMSSD, SDNN, and STV) were calculated between UCOs. During the baseline period, before the start of UCOs, propranolol was associated with reduced FHR, SDNN, and STV but did not affect RMSSD or T/QRS ratio. UCOs were associated with rapid FHR decelerations and increased T/QRS ratio; propranolol significantly reduced FHR during UCOs and was associated with a slower rise in T/QRS ratio during the first UCOs, without affecting the maximal rise or T/QRS ratio during the second and third UCO. Between UCOs propranolol reduced FHR and T/QRS ratio but did not affect any measure of FHRV. These data demonstrate that circulating catecholamines do not contribute to FHRV during labor-like hypoxemia. Furthermore, circulating catecholamines did not contribute to the major rise in T/QRS ratio during labor-like hypoxemia but may regulate T/QRS ratio between brief hypoxemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Lear
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael J Beacom
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michi Kasai
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jenny A Westgate
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robert Galinsky
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shoichi Magawa
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Etsuko Miyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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