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Biophysical profile for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK, L69 3BX. zarko@liverpool.ac.uk
Background:
Biophysical profile usually includes ultrasound monitoring of fetal movements, fetal tone and fetal breathing, ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume and assessment of fetal heart rate by electronic monitoring.
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of biophysical profile tests on pregnancy outcome in high risk pregnancies.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register. Date of last search: October 1998.
Selection Criteria:
Randomised trials comparing fetal biophysical profile with other forms of fetal assessment in women with high risk pregnancies.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Trial quality was assessed.
Main Results:
Four studies were included. Most trials were not of high quality. No difference was found between biophysical profile and other forms of fetal assessment over a range of fetal and neonatal measures.
Reviewer'S Conclusions:
At present, there is not enough evidence from randomised trials to evaluate the use of biophysical profile as a test of fetal well-being in high risk pregnancies.