[Experiences in the assessment of the subpartal cardiotocogram (author's transl)]

750 cardiotocographic curves of the last 30 minutes prior to vaginal delivery were assessed retrospectively according to the CTG score after Hammacher et al. (6). The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of the CTG score with regard to the foetal acid-base stains. The results obtained showed a distinct interdependence between the CTG score and the risk of foetal acidosis. Correct interpretation of the CTG can be ensured only if all three different CTG parameters are considered. The most frequent and reliable pointers to the existence of foetal acidosis are the occurrence of severe variable or late decelerations which can be detected from an examination of the floating-line pattern.