A simplified algorithm for identifying wave endpoints in digitized intrauterine pressure waveform data

In-depth and accurate analysis of data has taken on increasing significance in obstetrics and gynecology. In many instances, the data take on the form of a wave or waves, the character of which is important to the evaluation of the ongoing process. Attempts to assess the onsets and durations of these waves and areas under them are predicted on the ability to identify accurately the start and finish of each wave. Many approaches to this problem have been put forward, but they have often been limited by being designed to work best under specific conditions. An algorithm that has been used for the analysis of intrauterine pressure data during the study of dysmenorrhea is presented. This algorithm offers some improvements in flexibility that may allow its application to more general problems of curve analysis.