Analyse informatisée du rythme cardiaque fœtal au cours de la grossesse et de l'accouchement

Three computer-based methods for analyzing fetal heart rhythm (FHR) have been developed recently. They use the fetal electrocardiograph (STAN software), short-term variability (STV) measurement based on comparisons of intervals between beats (Oxford 8002 software), and frequential analysis by conversion of the time signal to a frequency spectrum (according to the Fourier principle), respectively. As compared to conventional visual FHR analysis, a T/QRS ratio increase and presence of biphasic ST-segment waves recorded by STAN, a STV value lower than 6 milliseconds at full term with Oxford, and a decrease in low frequencies with an increase in very low frequencies ensure more reliable detection of fetal asphyxia during labor.