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Cardiotocography for antepartum fetal assessment
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. n.pattison@auckland.ac.nz
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Antenatal cardiotocography (fetal monitoring) does not significantly impact perinatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies. More research is needed to determine its current clinical value for fetal assessment.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Fetal Monitoring
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Cardiotocography (CTG) is a method for fetal assessment.
- It simultaneously records fetal heart rate, fetal movements, and uterine contractions.
- Its primary use is to investigate potential fetal hypoxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of antenatal cardiotocography on perinatal morbidity and mortality.
- To assess the effects on maternal morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.
- Included four trials involving 1,588 pregnancies, all in high or intermediate-risk groups.
Main Results:
- Antenatal cardiotocography showed no significant effect on perinatal mortality or morbidity.
- A trend towards increased perinatal deaths was observed in the CTG group (OR 2.85).
- No increase in interventions like caesarean sections or labor induction was noted; one trial showed reduced hospital admissions and stay.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to definitively evaluate antenatal cardiotocography for fetal assessment.
- Included trials are dated, potentially limiting relevance to current clinical practice.