Alterations of the Short-Term Variation of the Fetal Heart Rate after Antenatal Maternal Betamethasone Administration: Validation with Two Different Computational Algorithms.

Introduction: Antenatal betamethasone administration in the context of foetal lung maturity enhancement has a transient impact on the short-term variation (STV) of the foetal heart rate. There are currently various algorithms for computing the STV, each one resulting in different STV values. We studied the results of betamethasone administration on the STV using 2 different algorithms in order to investigate whether the effects of steroids on the STV depend on the algorithm used or not.

Validation of a new algorithm for the short-term variation of the fetal heart rate: an antepartum prospective study.

Aims: Currently one of the most widespread systems for the computerized analysis of the fetal heart rate (FHR) is the Dawes-Redman system, where the short-term variation (STV) of the FHR is measured by dividing each minute into 16 segments (STV16). Technical progress has allowed for the development of a new algorithm, which measures the STV by dividing each minute into 240 segments (STV240), thus approximating the beat-to-beat variation. The STV240 still lacks reference values.

Cardiotocography and the evolution into computerised cardiotocography in the management of intrauterine growth restriction.

Timely recognition and appropriate management of high-risk pregnancies, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), are of paramount importance for every obstetrician. After the initial screening of IUGR fetuses through sonographic fetometry and Doppler, the focus is shifted to the appropriate monitoring and timing of delivery. This can, especially in cases of early IUGR, become a very difficult task.