[Intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns and fetal outcome: prediction of newborn depression (author's transl)]

Abstract

A statistically significant correlation exists between patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) and neonatal state. However, the prognostic value of alterations of FHR for the individual has not been established. In 812 deliveries, we analyzed FHR tracings of the 30 minutes preceding delivery and correlated 6 characteristics of baseline, 10 of floating line and 6 of oscillation type with the incidence of severe acidosis (pH of umbilical cord artery less than or equal to 7.10) and low Apgar scores (one minute Apgar score less than or equal to 6). The exact risk for neonatal depression was calculated for each pattern of FHR. A high rate of depressed infants could be expected when the following alterations of FHR were seen during the last 30 minutes before delivery:--mild tachycardia, severe bradycardia,--severe variable decelerations, uniform late decelerations,--oscillation frequency less than 2 per minute independent of oscillation amplitude.