THE ROLE OF TELEMETRY IN PERINATAL MONITORING

the field of transmission and exchange of clinical information particu larly good results are foreseen with the development of data telemetry . In perinatal medicine the telemetric technologies are being employed in several situations. It is possible to subdivide the telemetric tec hnologies into short and long distance systems. Short distance telemet ry employs devices which utilize radiowaves or laser techniques to tra nsmit data from the original source to centralized equipment; the main application is the transmission of the cardiotocographic signal to pe rmit ambulation of the patient during recording. It may allow fetal he art rate testing to be performed in a setting more acceptable to patie nts telemetric not be physically confined to a bed or a chair. The tel emetric transmission of the cardiotocogram (CTG) may solve problems of organization when the ratio of parturient to midwife exceeds 1:1. Lon g distance telemetry consists of the telephone transmission of data ob tained from distant source to a consultation center where the data can be evaluated, stored and where hospital staff may suggest appropriate decision related to clinical course. In prenatal medicine, the system can offer the monitoring of maternal blood pressure, automatic urine and glucose analyses, surveillance of fetal heart rate and uterine con tractions. CTG telemetry has been used with good results for the preve ntion of preterm labor while blood pressure control by telemetry may b e useful for the prevention and management of gestational hypertension . Knowledge by the pregnant woman that it is possible to continuously monitor by telemetric technology her health and the health of her fetu s provides reassurance during a delicate period. The employment of tel emetric system may reduce the number and the duration of the hospital admissions with economical benefits while effectively providing survei llance in situations where there is an evident absence of adequate obs tetric staff.