COMPLEXITY ANALYSIS OF FETAL ECG SIGNALS DURING LABOR

Objectives: This study was performed to prove, if the use of methods, that are based on procedures for analysis of chaotic systems (''comple xity analysis''), can give information on the fetal condition during b irth and predict both the course of delivery and fetal outcome. Patien ts and methods: Fetal ECG was derived in 37 pregnancies (36-42 weeks o f gestation) during birth for two to seven hours. In 12 cases delivery was uncomplicated, in 24 cases FHR tracings had been pathological. Re sults: Complexity analysis of fetal ECG signals showed within short ob servation intervals criteria that may be a hint for imminent fetal dis tress and acidosis. Conclusions: Application of complexity analysis in the future may give additional information for evaluation of intrapar tum CTG in cases of suspicious FHR patterns.