Key result
Pathological FHR patterns during late labor are linked to higher umbilical artery catecholamines versus normal patterns.
Why the study?
The correlation between fetal heart rate patterns during the last hour of labor and umbilical artery pH and catecholamine levels was unclear, particularly regarding quantification of fetal distress by deceleration areas and variability.
Do pathological fetal heart rate patterns correlate with umbilical artery pH and catecholamine levels during the last hour of labor?
Observational (n=100)
Do pathological fetal heart rate patterns correlate with umbilical artery pH and catecholamine levels during the last hour of labor?
While general fetal heart rate patterns correlate with umbilical artery catecholamines and pH, computer-calculated deceleration areas and variability cannot reliably quantify the degree of fetal distress.
Pathological FHR may signal fetal stress via CA; leaves open whether automated metrics can quantify distress in labor.
Fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns were analysed during last hour of labour and correlated to umbilical artery pH and catecholamine (CA) levels. Fetuses with pathological FHR had significantly higher levels of CA than those with normal FHR. Particulary high levels were found in fetuses with bradycardia and late decelerations. FHR was further analysed by a computer (DPAC, data processor and computer) in 100 women during last hour of labor. No correlation between deceleration areas of variability and umbilical artery pH and CA was found. It is concluded that although there is a good correlation between the general FHR-pattern and umbilical artery CA and pH it is impossible to quantify the degree of fetal distress by calculation of deceleration areas and variability.
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Bistoletti et al. (1980) conducted an observational in Labor (n=100). Pathological fetal heart rate patterns vs. Normal fetal heart rate patterns was evaluated on Umbilical artery pH and catecholamine levels. Pathological fetal heart rate patterns during the last hour of labor were associated with significantly higher umbilical artery catecholamine levels compared to normal patterns.
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