[Analysis of fetal ECG during delivery]

In order to render monitoring of delivery optimal, several new technological methods have found favour during the years. The few randomized investigations of foetal monitoring available do not show any effect on morbidity and mortality. Changes in the foetal ECG have been the object of intense research in the hope of obtaining a better indicator of foetal asphyxia. Experimental and also clinical investigations suggest that detailed analysis of the foetal ECG supplements cardiotocography and improves its diagnostic specificity. Many investigations have demonstrated that changes in the ST-segment, particularly increase in the T-wave are related to foetal hypoxia. The ratio between the height of the T-wave and the QRS complex (T/QRS-ratio) quantities this change in the ST-segment. Registration and quantitating of this change in the ST-segment require a microprocessor monitor to automize ECG analysis. Investigations to date suggest that this monitor can diagnose foetal asphyxia but more extensive investigations are necessary in order to establish the validity of an ECG analysis of this type during delivery.