Fetal scalp pH and ST analysis of the fetal ECG as an adjunct to cardiotocography to predict fetal acidosis in labor--a multi-center, case controlled study.

Objective: To assess the relationship between scalp pH (FBS) and ST analysis in situations of acidosis with special emphasis on the timing of cardiotocography (CTG), FBS and ST changes during labor.

Study Design: From a European Union multicenter study on clinical implementation of the STAN methodology, 911 cases were identified where a scalp-pH had been obtained. In 53 cases, marked cord artery acidosis was found (cord artery pH<7.

Fetal scalp pH and ST analysis of the fetal ECG as an adjunct to CTG. A multi-center, observational study.

Objective: To evaluate the relationships between scalp-pH and CTG plus ST waveform analysis of the fetal ECG (STAN) clinical guidelines as indicators of intrapartum hypoxia in term fetuses born with cord artery acidemia.

Study Design: Data from 6999 term deliveries monitored by the STAN (R) S 21 as part of an EU multi-center study on clinical implementation of the STAN methodology for intrapartum fetal surveillance were analyzed. We identified 911 cases where a scalp-pH was obtained, including 53 cases with cord artery acidemia (pH < 7.

Pulse oximetry during labour--does it give rise to hope? Value of saturation monitoring in comparison to fetal blood gas status.

Objective: Purpose of this presentation is to show the diagnostic power of fetal pulse oximetry in comparison to the other blood gas parameters from fetal blood samplings (FBS). The distribution of saturation readings in acidotic fetuses and normally oxygenated fetuses should be established.

Study Design: A fetal pulse oximetry system (N400, FS14) was evaluated in a strictly observational study design based on blinded saturation display and on continuous data storing.

Feasibility of simultaneous application of fetal electrocardiography and fetal pulse oximetry.

Background: Fetal pulse oximetry measures arterial oxygen saturation during delivery. The fetal electrocardiogram STAN S21 analyzes the repolarisation segment of ECG (ST) waveform, which is altered by the intramyocardial potassium release resulting from metabolic acidemia. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a simultaneous application of pulse oximetry and fetal electrocardiography and to estimate any agreement between both methods indicating fetal compromise.

Accuracy of fetal pulse oximetry.

Background: The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the agreement of fetal pulse oximetry to saturation readings from hemoximetry at low oxygen saturation.

Methods: Fetal oxygen saturation measurements obtained by pulse oximetry were compared with those obtained by hemoximetry in fetal scalp blood samplings. The prospective observational trial included fetuses with non-reassuring fetal heart rate tracings suggestive of hypoxia and requiring fetal scalp blood samplings.