Fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations are the commonest aberrant feature on cardiotocograph (CTG) thus having a major influence on classification ofFHRpatterns into the three tier system. The unexplained paradox of ear...Fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations are the commonest aberrant feature on cardiotocograph (CTG) thus having a major influence on classification ofFHRpatterns into the three tier system. The unexplained paradox of early decelerations (head compression—an invariable phenomenon in labor) being extremely rare [1] should prompt a debate about scientific validity of current categorization. This paper demonstrates that there appear to be major fallacies in the pathophysiological hypothesis (cord compression—baroreceptor mechanism) underpinning of vast majority of (variable?) decelerations. Rapid decelerations during contractions with nadir matching peak of contractions are consistent with “pure” vagal reflex (head compression) rather than result of fetal blood pressure or oxygenation changes from cord compression. Hence, many American authors have reported that the abrupt FHR decelerations attributed to cord compression are actually due to head compression [2-6]. The paper debates if there are major fundamental fallacies in current categorization of FHR decelerations based concomitantly on rate of descent (reflecting putative aetiology?) and time relationship to contractions. Decelerations with consistently early timing (constituting majority) seem to get classed as “variable” because of rapid descent. A distorted unscientific categorization of FHR decelerations could lead to clinically unhelpful three tier classification system. Hence, the current unphysiological classification needs a fresh debate with consideration of alternative models and re-evaluation of clinical studies to test these. Open debate improves patient care and safety. The clue to benign reflex versus hypoxic nature of decelerations seems to be in the timing rather than the rate of descent. Although the likelihood of fetal hypxemia is related to depth and duration ofFHRdecelerations, the cut-offs are likely to be different for early/late/variable decelerations and it seems to be of paramount importance to get this discrimination right for useful visual or computerized system of CTG interpretation.展开更多
Objective: To test the reproducibility of British experts’ (eFM, K2MS, Gibb and Arulkumaran) [1-3] illustrations of fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations by trained British Obstetricians and midwives. To analyze reaso...Objective: To test the reproducibility of British experts’ (eFM, K2MS, Gibb and Arulkumaran) [1-3] illustrations of fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations by trained British Obstetricians and midwives. To analyze reasons for any discrepancies by examining factors relating to the participants, British experts’ descriptions and NICE guidelines [4]. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: National Health Service (NHS) Hospitals. Participants: 38 Obstetric Consultants, 49 registrars and 45 midwives. Methods: Printed questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Fisher’s Exact test. Results: This largest study of its kind showed almost unbelievably high disconnect between CTG interpretation by experts and participants. 98% - 100% midwives, 80% - 100% Registrars and 74% - 100% Consultants categorized FHR decelerations differently from the five experts’ illustrations/interpretations (p < 0.0001). Remarkably, the three experts’ illustrations of early (supposedly most benign) decelerations were classed as atypical variable by 56% Consultants, 78% Registrars and 99% midwives and the CTGs as pathological by 85% of the participants. Conclusions: The high degree of disagreement with the experts’ illustrations (p < 0.0001) did not appear to be due to participant factors. The immediate reasons seemed to be the conflicting illustrations and heterogeneity of experts’ descriptions. But most importantly, these appeared to stem from non-standardized ambiguous definitions of FHR decelerations and many intrinsic systemic flaws in the current NICE guidelines [4]. The NICE concept of “true uniform” (identical) early and late decelerations seems biologically implausible (a myth) and no examples can be found. Another myth seems to be that early and late decelerations should be gradual. Only very shallow decelerations will look “gradual” on the British CTG. These systemic flaws lead to dysfunctional CTG interpretation increasing intervention as well as impairing diagnosis of fetal hypoxemia. This is because the vast majority of FHR decelerations fall in a single heterogeneous “variable” group with many further classed as “atypical” (pathological) based on disproven and discredited criteria [5-7]. There is increasing evidence in USA that a system with variable decelerations as the majority is clinically unhelpful because of loss of information [5-9]. In the interest of patient care and safety, open debate is necessary regarding a better way forward. Classification of FHR decelerations based primarily and solely on time relationship to contractions appears more scientific and clinically useful.展开更多
Intrapartum fetal monitoring has been criticized for the lack of evidence of improvement in fetal outcome despite causing increased operative intervention. Paradoxically, cardiotocography （CTG） has been a major driv...Intrapartum fetal monitoring has been criticized for the lack of evidence of improvement in fetal outcome despite causing increased operative intervention. Paradoxically, cardiotocography （CTG） has been a major driver for litigation for neonatal neurological injury. This analytical review tries to explore why extensive clinical studies and trials over 50 years have failed to demonstrate or bring about signifcant improvement in intrapartum fetal monitoring. There seems a need for significant reform. International congruence on most aspects of CTG interpretation [defnitions of fetal heart rate （FHR） parameters, CTG recording speed, 3-tier systems, etc .] is highly desirable to facilitate future meaningful clinical studies, evaluation and progress in this field. The FHR changes are non-specific and poor surrogate for fetal well-being. As a compromise for maintaining low false-negative results for fetal acidemia, a high false-positive value may have to be accepted. The need for redefning the place of adjuvant tests of fetal well-being like fetal blood sampling or fetal electrocardiography （ECG） is discussed. The FHR decelerations are often deterministic （center-stage） in CTG interpretation and 3-tier categorization. It is discussed if their scientifc and physiological classifcation （avoiding framing and confirmation biases） may be best based on time relationship to uterine contractions alone. This may provide a more sound foundation which could improve the reliability and further evolution of 3-tier systems. Results of several trials of fetal ECG （STAN） have been inconclusive and a need for a fresh approach or strategy is considered. It is hoped that the long anticipated Computer-aided analysis of CTG will be more objective and reliable （overcome human factors） and will offer valuable support or may eventually replace visual CTG interpretation. In any case, the recording and archiving all CTGs digitally and testing cord blood gases routinely in every delivery would be highly desirable for future research. This would facilitate well designed retrospective studies which can be very informative especially when prospective randomised controlled trials are often diffcult and resource-intensive.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of in-phase and quadrature(IQ)demodulation in electronic fetal heart rate monitoring(EFM)to reduce false reports of fetal heart rate(FHR)doubling or halving.Methods:This is a pros...Objective:To investigate the efficacy of in-phase and quadrature(IQ)demodulation in electronic fetal heart rate monitoring(EFM)to reduce false reports of fetal heart rate(FHR)doubling or halving.Methods:This is a prospective cohort study.A total of 263 full-term pregnant women who delivered at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital between August 2019 and July 2020 were prospectively enrolled in the study.FHR monitoring began when the cervix was dilated to 2-3 cm and continued until delivery.Raw fetal Doppler audio signals and internal and external cardiotocography curves from internal electrode monitoring,EFM with conventional demodulation(external),and EFM with IQ demodulation(external)were acquired to compare FHR doubling and halving time.In cohort 1,FHR was compared between IQ demodulation and conventional demodulation.In cohort 2,FHR was compared between IQ demodulation,conventional demodulation,and internal FHR monitoring.Count data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-squared test,and measurement data were statistically analyzed usingt-test for correlation coefficients,and Bland-Altman analysis for concordance ranges.Results:To compare IQ demodulation and conventional demodulation,225 pregnant women were monitored for a total of 835,870 seconds.The beat-to-beat interval of FHRs in raw fetal Doppler audio signals was used as the reference.The results showed a doubling time of 3401 seconds(0.407%,3401/835,870)and a halving time of 2918 seconds(0.349%,2918/835,870)with conventional demodulation,compared to 241 seconds(0.029%,241/835,870)and 589 seconds(0.070%,589/835,870),respectively,with IQ demodulation.IQ demodulation reduced FHR doubling by approximately 93%(3160/3401)and FHR halving by approximately 80%(2329/2918)compared to conventional demodulation(P<0.01).Conclusion:EFM with IQ demodulation significantly reduces false FHR doubling and halving,with an efficacy similar to that of internal FHR monitoring.展开更多
Aims: To prevent fetal damage by excess oxytocin administration of manually controlled infusion, by automatic and safe increasing infusion setting with monitoring uterine contraction and fetal heart rate. Methods: Sta...Aims: To prevent fetal damage by excess oxytocin administration of manually controlled infusion, by automatic and safe increasing infusion setting with monitoring uterine contraction and fetal heart rate. Methods: Starting infusion level was 2 milliU/ml, as oxytocin sensitivity of a pregnant uterus is unknown, to avoid hyper contraction and fetal bradycardia caused by unexpected excess oxytocin sensitivity. The infusion automatically increased with automatic monitoring of uterine contraction curve, then the increasing stopped when contraction reached to normal labor level, where the infusion level maintained, which continued until delivery, if there is no trouble. However, the infusion continued until expiring all fluid in case of insensitive uterus, where the induction was performed in another day. The infusion stopped automatically when contraction was too strong, or fetal heart rate is abnormal. Thus, oxytocin sensitive case is protected from excess contraction and fetal asphyxia. Results: Normal vaginal delivery was achieved in 28/33 cases (85%), which was more than manually controlled infusion. No case was abnormal in successful oxytocin infusion. Conclusion: The automated technique will be applied to oxytocin labor induction.展开更多
Fetal heart rate(FHR)monitoring is one of the central parts of obstetric care.Ultrasound-based technologies such as cardiotocography(CTG)remain the most common method for FHR monitoring.The CTG’s limitations,includin...Fetal heart rate(FHR)monitoring is one of the central parts of obstetric care.Ultrasound-based technologies such as cardiotocography(CTG)remain the most common method for FHR monitoring.The CTG’s limitations,including subjective interpretation,high interobserver variability,and the need for skilled professionals,led to the development of computerized CTG(cCTG).While cCTG demonstrated advantages,its superiority over visual interpretation remains inconclusive.This has prompted the exploration of alternatives like noninvasive fetal electrocardiography(NIFECG).This review explores the landscape of antenatal FHR monitoring and the need for remote FHR monitoring in a patient-centered care model.Additionally,FHR monitoring needs to evolve from the traditional approach to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning.The review underscores the importance of aligning fetal monitoring with modern healthcare,leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms for accurate assessments,and enhancing patient engagement.The physiology of FHR variability(FHRV)is explained emphasizing its significance in assessing fetal well-being.Other measures of FHRV and their relevance are described.It delves into the promising realm of NIFECG,detailing its history and recent technological advancements.The potential advantages of NIFECG are objective FHR assessment,beat-to-beat variability,patient comfort,remote prolonged use,and less signal loss with increased maternal body mass index.Despite its promise,challenges such as signal loss must be addressed.The clinical application of NIFECG,its correlation with cCTG measures,and ongoing technological advancements are discussed.In conclusion,this review explores the evolution of antenatal FHR monitoring,emphasizing the potential of NIFECG in providing reliable,home-based monitoring solutions.Future research directions are outlined,urging longitudinal studies and evidence generation to establish NIFECG’s role in enhancing fetal well-being assessments during pregnancy.展开更多
文摘Fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations are the commonest aberrant feature on cardiotocograph (CTG) thus having a major influence on classification ofFHRpatterns into the three tier system. The unexplained paradox of early decelerations (head compression—an invariable phenomenon in labor) being extremely rare [1] should prompt a debate about scientific validity of current categorization. This paper demonstrates that there appear to be major fallacies in the pathophysiological hypothesis (cord compression—baroreceptor mechanism) underpinning of vast majority of (variable?) decelerations. Rapid decelerations during contractions with nadir matching peak of contractions are consistent with “pure” vagal reflex (head compression) rather than result of fetal blood pressure or oxygenation changes from cord compression. Hence, many American authors have reported that the abrupt FHR decelerations attributed to cord compression are actually due to head compression [2-6]. The paper debates if there are major fundamental fallacies in current categorization of FHR decelerations based concomitantly on rate of descent (reflecting putative aetiology?) and time relationship to contractions. Decelerations with consistently early timing (constituting majority) seem to get classed as “variable” because of rapid descent. A distorted unscientific categorization of FHR decelerations could lead to clinically unhelpful three tier classification system. Hence, the current unphysiological classification needs a fresh debate with consideration of alternative models and re-evaluation of clinical studies to test these. Open debate improves patient care and safety. The clue to benign reflex versus hypoxic nature of decelerations seems to be in the timing rather than the rate of descent. Although the likelihood of fetal hypxemia is related to depth and duration ofFHRdecelerations, the cut-offs are likely to be different for early/late/variable decelerations and it seems to be of paramount importance to get this discrimination right for useful visual or computerized system of CTG interpretation.
文摘Objective: To test the reproducibility of British experts’ (eFM, K2MS, Gibb and Arulkumaran) [1-3] illustrations of fetal heart rate (FHR) decelerations by trained British Obstetricians and midwives. To analyze reasons for any discrepancies by examining factors relating to the participants, British experts’ descriptions and NICE guidelines [4]. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: National Health Service (NHS) Hospitals. Participants: 38 Obstetric Consultants, 49 registrars and 45 midwives. Methods: Printed questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Fisher’s Exact test. Results: This largest study of its kind showed almost unbelievably high disconnect between CTG interpretation by experts and participants. 98% - 100% midwives, 80% - 100% Registrars and 74% - 100% Consultants categorized FHR decelerations differently from the five experts’ illustrations/interpretations (p < 0.0001). Remarkably, the three experts’ illustrations of early (supposedly most benign) decelerations were classed as atypical variable by 56% Consultants, 78% Registrars and 99% midwives and the CTGs as pathological by 85% of the participants. Conclusions: The high degree of disagreement with the experts’ illustrations (p < 0.0001) did not appear to be due to participant factors. The immediate reasons seemed to be the conflicting illustrations and heterogeneity of experts’ descriptions. But most importantly, these appeared to stem from non-standardized ambiguous definitions of FHR decelerations and many intrinsic systemic flaws in the current NICE guidelines [4]. The NICE concept of “true uniform” (identical) early and late decelerations seems biologically implausible (a myth) and no examples can be found. Another myth seems to be that early and late decelerations should be gradual. Only very shallow decelerations will look “gradual” on the British CTG. These systemic flaws lead to dysfunctional CTG interpretation increasing intervention as well as impairing diagnosis of fetal hypoxemia. This is because the vast majority of FHR decelerations fall in a single heterogeneous “variable” group with many further classed as “atypical” (pathological) based on disproven and discredited criteria [5-7]. There is increasing evidence in USA that a system with variable decelerations as the majority is clinically unhelpful because of loss of information [5-9]. In the interest of patient care and safety, open debate is necessary regarding a better way forward. Classification of FHR decelerations based primarily and solely on time relationship to contractions appears more scientific and clinically useful.
文摘Intrapartum fetal monitoring has been criticized for the lack of evidence of improvement in fetal outcome despite causing increased operative intervention. Paradoxically, cardiotocography （CTG） has been a major driver for litigation for neonatal neurological injury. This analytical review tries to explore why extensive clinical studies and trials over 50 years have failed to demonstrate or bring about signifcant improvement in intrapartum fetal monitoring. There seems a need for significant reform. International congruence on most aspects of CTG interpretation [defnitions of fetal heart rate （FHR） parameters, CTG recording speed, 3-tier systems, etc .] is highly desirable to facilitate future meaningful clinical studies, evaluation and progress in this field. The FHR changes are non-specific and poor surrogate for fetal well-being. As a compromise for maintaining low false-negative results for fetal acidemia, a high false-positive value may have to be accepted. The need for redefning the place of adjuvant tests of fetal well-being like fetal blood sampling or fetal electrocardiography （ECG） is discussed. The FHR decelerations are often deterministic （center-stage） in CTG interpretation and 3-tier categorization. It is discussed if their scientifc and physiological classifcation （avoiding framing and confirmation biases） may be best based on time relationship to uterine contractions alone. This may provide a more sound foundation which could improve the reliability and further evolution of 3-tier systems. Results of several trials of fetal ECG （STAN） have been inconclusive and a need for a fresh approach or strategy is considered. It is hoped that the long anticipated Computer-aided analysis of CTG will be more objective and reliable （overcome human factors） and will offer valuable support or may eventually replace visual CTG interpretation. In any case, the recording and archiving all CTGs digitally and testing cord blood gases routinely in every delivery would be highly desirable for future research. This would facilitate well designed retrospective studies which can be very informative especially when prospective randomised controlled trials are often diffcult and resource-intensive.
基金Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission(JCYJ20180228162311024)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the efficacy of in-phase and quadrature(IQ)demodulation in electronic fetal heart rate monitoring(EFM)to reduce false reports of fetal heart rate(FHR)doubling or halving.Methods:This is a prospective cohort study.A total of 263 full-term pregnant women who delivered at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital between August 2019 and July 2020 were prospectively enrolled in the study.FHR monitoring began when the cervix was dilated to 2-3 cm and continued until delivery.Raw fetal Doppler audio signals and internal and external cardiotocography curves from internal electrode monitoring,EFM with conventional demodulation(external),and EFM with IQ demodulation(external)were acquired to compare FHR doubling and halving time.In cohort 1,FHR was compared between IQ demodulation and conventional demodulation.In cohort 2,FHR was compared between IQ demodulation,conventional demodulation,and internal FHR monitoring.Count data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-squared test,and measurement data were statistically analyzed usingt-test for correlation coefficients,and Bland-Altman analysis for concordance ranges.Results:To compare IQ demodulation and conventional demodulation,225 pregnant women were monitored for a total of 835,870 seconds.The beat-to-beat interval of FHRs in raw fetal Doppler audio signals was used as the reference.The results showed a doubling time of 3401 seconds(0.407%,3401/835,870)and a halving time of 2918 seconds(0.349%,2918/835,870)with conventional demodulation,compared to 241 seconds(0.029%,241/835,870)and 589 seconds(0.070%,589/835,870),respectively,with IQ demodulation.IQ demodulation reduced FHR doubling by approximately 93%(3160/3401)and FHR halving by approximately 80%(2329/2918)compared to conventional demodulation(P<0.01).Conclusion:EFM with IQ demodulation significantly reduces false FHR doubling and halving,with an efficacy similar to that of internal FHR monitoring.
文摘Aims: To prevent fetal damage by excess oxytocin administration of manually controlled infusion, by automatic and safe increasing infusion setting with monitoring uterine contraction and fetal heart rate. Methods: Starting infusion level was 2 milliU/ml, as oxytocin sensitivity of a pregnant uterus is unknown, to avoid hyper contraction and fetal bradycardia caused by unexpected excess oxytocin sensitivity. The infusion automatically increased with automatic monitoring of uterine contraction curve, then the increasing stopped when contraction reached to normal labor level, where the infusion level maintained, which continued until delivery, if there is no trouble. However, the infusion continued until expiring all fluid in case of insensitive uterus, where the induction was performed in another day. The infusion stopped automatically when contraction was too strong, or fetal heart rate is abnormal. Thus, oxytocin sensitive case is protected from excess contraction and fetal asphyxia. Results: Normal vaginal delivery was achieved in 28/33 cases (85%), which was more than manually controlled infusion. No case was abnormal in successful oxytocin infusion. Conclusion: The automated technique will be applied to oxytocin labor induction.
文摘Fetal heart rate(FHR)monitoring is one of the central parts of obstetric care.Ultrasound-based technologies such as cardiotocography(CTG)remain the most common method for FHR monitoring.The CTG’s limitations,including subjective interpretation,high interobserver variability,and the need for skilled professionals,led to the development of computerized CTG(cCTG).While cCTG demonstrated advantages,its superiority over visual interpretation remains inconclusive.This has prompted the exploration of alternatives like noninvasive fetal electrocardiography(NIFECG).This review explores the landscape of antenatal FHR monitoring and the need for remote FHR monitoring in a patient-centered care model.Additionally,FHR monitoring needs to evolve from the traditional approach to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning.The review underscores the importance of aligning fetal monitoring with modern healthcare,leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms for accurate assessments,and enhancing patient engagement.The physiology of FHR variability(FHRV)is explained emphasizing its significance in assessing fetal well-being.Other measures of FHRV and their relevance are described.It delves into the promising realm of NIFECG,detailing its history and recent technological advancements.The potential advantages of NIFECG are objective FHR assessment,beat-to-beat variability,patient comfort,remote prolonged use,and less signal loss with increased maternal body mass index.Despite its promise,challenges such as signal loss must be addressed.The clinical application of NIFECG,its correlation with cCTG measures,and ongoing technological advancements are discussed.In conclusion,this review explores the evolution of antenatal FHR monitoring,emphasizing the potential of NIFECG in providing reliable,home-based monitoring solutions.Future research directions are outlined,urging longitudinal studies and evidence generation to establish NIFECG’s role in enhancing fetal well-being assessments during pregnancy.
