A French randomized controlled trial of ST-segment analysis in a population with abnormal cardiotocograms during labor.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess whether knowledge of ST-segment analysis was associated with a reduction in operative deliveries for nonreassuring fetal status (NRFS) or with a need for at least 1 scalp pH during labor.

Study Design: Seven hundred ninety-nine women at term with abnormal cardiotocography or meconium-stained amniotic fluid (7%) were assigned randomly to the intervention group (cardiotocography + STAN) or the control group (cardiotocography) in 2 university hospitals in Strasbourg, France. Scalp pH testing was optional in both groups.

Fetal electrocardiogram ST-segment analysis and prediction of neonatal acidosis.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic value of fetal ST-segment analysis (STAN) in predicting neonatal acidosis.

Methods: The STAN S21 was used to monitor singleton fetuses in labor with abnormal FHR. Physicians later reviewed tracings to identify any ST events dictating intervention.

[Routine use of ST-segment of fetal electrocardiogram for monitoring labor. A year's experience (preliminary results)].

Objectives: Two randomized trials found that monitoring labor by analyzing the fetal electrocardiogram (STAN) appears to offer better sensitivity and specificity in screening for metabolic acidosis than cardiotocography (CTG) does. We report here the results of a descriptive study of 173 cases between 1 June 2001 and 31 May 2002, the objectives of which were twofold: to determine the number of possible false negatives (defined by neonatal metabolic acidosis with a pH less than 7.05 and base deficit (BD) greater than 12 mmol/l, in the absence of a STAN decisions event more than 30 min before birth), and to assess whether STAN indicated the need for operative intervention too late in cases of fetal distress.