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Tarvonen M, Manninen M, Lamminaho P, Jehkonen P, Tuppurainen V, Andersson S. Computer Vision for Identification of Increased Fetal Heart Variability in Cardiotocogram. Neonatology 2024; 121:460-467. [PMID: 38565092 DOI: 10.1159/000538134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increased fetal heart rate variability (IFHRV), defined as fetal heart rate (FHR) baseline amplitude changes of >25 beats per minute with a duration of ≥1 min, is an early sign of intrapartum fetal hypoxia. This study evaluated the level of agreement of machine learning (ML) algorithms-based recognition of IFHRV patterns with expert analysis. METHODS Cardiotocographic recordings and cardiotocograms from 4,988 singleton term childbirths were evaluated independently by two expert obstetricians blinded to the outcomes. Continuous FHR monitoring with computer vision analysis was compared with visual analysis by the expert obstetricians. FHR signals were graphically processed and measured by the computer vision model labeled SALKA. RESULTS In visual analysis, IFHRV pattern occurred in 582 cardiotocograms (11.7%). Compared with visual analysis, SALKA recognized IFHRV patterns with an average Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.981 (95% CI: 0.972-0.993). The sensitivity of SALKA was 0.981, the positive predictive rate was 0.822 (95% CI: 0.774-0.903), and the false-negative rate was 0.01 (95% CI: 0.00-0.02). The agreement between visual analysis and SALKA in identification of IFHRV was almost perfect (0.993) in cases (N = 146) with neonatal acidemia (i.e., umbilical artery pH <7.10). CONCLUSIONS Computer vision analysis by SALKA is a novel ML technique that, with high sensitivity and specificity, identifies IFHRV features in intrapartum cardiotocograms. SALKA recognizes potential early signs of fetal distress close to those of expert obstetricians, particularly in cases of neonatal acidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Tarvonen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Manninen
- School of Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Espoo, Finland
| | - Petri Lamminaho
- Department of Mathematics and Statistic, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Petri Jehkonen
- Department of Computer, Communication and Information Sciences, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Ville Tuppurainen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, LUT University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital Area Administration, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sture Andersson
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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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: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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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Schifrin BS, Koos BJ, Cohen WR, Soliman M. Approaches to Preventing Intrapartum Fetal Injury. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:915344. [PMID: 36210941 PMCID: PMC9537758 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.915344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) was introduced into obstetric practice in 1970 as a test to identify early deterioration of fetal acid-base balance in the expectation that prompt intervention ("rescue") would reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Clinical trials using a variety of visual or computer-based classifications and algorithms for intervention have failed repeatedly to demonstrate improved immediate or long-term outcomes with this technique, which has, however, contributed to an increased rate of operative deliveries (deemed "unnecessary"). In this review, we discuss the limitations of current classifications of FHR patterns and management guidelines based on them. We argue that these clinical and computer-based formulations pay too much attention to the detection of systemic fetal acidosis/hypoxia and too little attention not only to the pathophysiology of FHR patterns but to the provenance of fetal neurological injury and to the relationship of intrapartum injury to the condition of the newborn. Although they do not reliably predict fetal acidosis, FHR patterns, properly interpreted in the context of the clinical circumstances, do reliably identify fetal neurological integrity (behavior) and are a biomarker of fetal neurological injury (separate from asphyxia). They provide insight into the mechanisms and trajectory (evolution) of any hypoxic or ischemic threat to the fetus and have particular promise in signaling preventive measures (1) to enhance the outcome, (2) to reduce the frequency of "abnormal" FHR patterns that require urgent intervention, and (3) to inform the decision to provide neuroprotection to the newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry S. Schifrin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Brian J. Koos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wayne R. Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Mohamed Soliman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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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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Tarvonen M, Hovi P, Sainio S, Vuorela P, Andersson S, Teramo K. Intrapartal cardiotocographic patterns and hypoxia-related perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus. Acta Diabetol 2021; 58:1563-1573. [PMID: 34151398 PMCID: PMC8505288 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-021-01756-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In previous reports, cardiotocographic (CTG) fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring has shown only limited benefits in decreasing adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether an association exists between the recently reported ZigZag pattern (FHR baseline amplitude changes of > 25 bpm with a duration of 2-30 min) and asphyxia-related neonatal outcomes in GDM pregnancies. METHODS Intrapartal CTGs were recorded in a one-year cohort of 5150 singleton childbirths. The following CTG changes were evaluated: ZigZag pattern, saltatory pattern, late decelerations, episodes of tachycardia and bradycardia, reduced variability, and uterine tachysystole. The cohort was divided into three groups: women with GDM, women with normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and women with no OGTT performed. Umbilical artery (UA) blood gases, Apgar scores, neonatal respiratory distress, and neonatal encephalopathy were used as outcome variables. RESULTS GDM was diagnosed in 624 (12.1%), OGTT was normal in 4115 (79.9%), and OGTT was not performed in 411 (8.0%) women. Hypoxia-related ZigZag patterns (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.64-2.34) and late decelerations (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.27-2.13) of FHR, as well as a greater risk of fetal asphyxia (UA pH < 7.10 and/or UA BE < -12.0 meq/L and/or Apgar scores < 7 at 5-min) (OR 6.64, 95% CI 1.84-12.03) were observed in those with GDM compared with those without GDM. CONCLUSIONS GDM is associated with intrapartal ZigZag pattern and late decelerations, cord blood acidemia and low 5-min Apgar scores at birth indicating increased occurrence of fetal hypoxia in GDM pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Tarvonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Petteri Hovi
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Sainio
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piia Vuorela
- Health and Social Welfare Department, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Sture Andersson
- Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Teramo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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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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