Sinusoidal fetal heart rate

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Fetal Monitoring

Background:

• Sinusoidal fetal heart rate (SHR) is a rare fetal heart rhythm pattern.
• Its association with fetal compromise requires further investigation.

Observation:

• Two cases of sinusoidal fetal heart rate (SHR) patterns with favorable perinatal outcomes were observed.
• These patterns occurred alongside normal nonstress tests, oxytocin challenge tests, and serum estriol levels.

Findings:

• Sinusoidal fetal heart rate (SHR) patterns, when associated with reactive nonstress tests, may not indicate fetal distress.
• SHR in conjunction with nonreactive nonstress tests is linked to poorer perinatal outcomes.

Implications:

• This suggests that the clinical significance of SHR depends on concurrent fetal monitoring results.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the prognostic value of sinusoidal fetal heart rate patterns.