OBJECTIVE COMPUTERIZED FETAL HEART-RATE ANALYSIS

Objective: To assess the validity of a computerized methodology for ca rdiotocogram analysis based on a recently described reproducible visua l estimation of the baseline. Methods: Forty-two antepartum and 43 int rapartum cardiotocograms (CTGs) acquired by a personal computer were s elected. Antepartum tracings were performed in the 48 h that preceded an elective cesarean section, and intrapartum tracings were performed until delivery. FHR baselines were estimated by an expert, according t o an objective and reproducible methodology. Using these baselines, au tomated detection of accelerations and decelerations and estimation of variability was performed by the personal computer. A quantitative ad aptation of the FIGO guidelines for fetal monitoring was used to class ify tracings. Perinatal outcome was classified according to the Apgar score and umbilical arterial pH. Validity was then assessed by the pro portions of agreement (PA), kappa statistic (kappa), sensitivity and s pecificity, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Cases showing a di sagreement between CTG and perinatal classification were reviewed and an adjustment in baseline definition was tested. Results: The initial overall PA and kappa between CTG and perinatal classification were, re spectively, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69-0.87) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.41-0.83). The overall PA and kappa, after baseline adjustment were, respectively, 0 .89 (95% CI: 0.81-0.95)and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.58-0.98). Sensitivities and specificities ranged between 79% (95% CH: 60-92%) and 100%(95% CI: 95 -100%). Conclusions: Good clinical prediction may be possible with an objective methodology for cardiotocogram analysis based on a recently described reproducible baseline estimation. (C) 1998 International Fed eration of Gynecology and Obstetrics.