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Variable fetal heart rate decelerations and electrocortical activities
Y Murata1, E J Quilligan, Y Ninomiya
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, California.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of fetal behavioral states on baroreflex-mediated, variable fetal heart rate decelerations caused by umbilical cord occlusion.
Study Design:
Five chronically instrumented fetal lambs were subjected to intermittent partial umbilical cord occlusion for 1 minute every 3 minutes, lasting 2 hours. Fetal behavioral states determined by electrocorticogram and heart rates by electrocardiogram were monitored continuously during these experiments.
Results:
The fetuses exhibited an alteration between low- and high-voltage electrocorticogram states. Both the depth and width of the variable fetal heart rate decelerations were greater during high-voltage than during low-voltage electrocorticogram.
Conclusion:
Amplitude and duration of variable fetal heart rate decelerations are affected by fetal behavioral states.