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Fetal biophysical profile score. VI. Correlation with antepartum umbilical venous fetal pH
F A Manning1, R Snijders, C R Harman
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Objective:
Our objective was to determine the relationship, if any, between the fetal biophysical profile score and antepartum umbilical venous pH.
Study Design:
This was a prospective observational study conducted concurrently in two centers and involving two discrete high-risk groups of fetuses. Fetal biophysical profile scores were compared with umbilical venous pH values measured in blood obtained by immediate cordocentesis. A total of 493 paired observations of biophysical profile score and pH were made; 104 observations were of fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation and 389 observations were of fetuses with alloimmune anemia.
Results:
In both data sets there was a highly significant linear correlation between biophysical profile score and umbilical venous pH. Poor biophysical profile score performance (a score of 0 of 10) was always associated with a pH < 7.20, whereas the pH was always > 7.20 when the biophysical profile score was 10 of 10. Sequenced sensitivity of short-term biophysical variables in the detection of acidemia was observed.
Conclusion:
The fetal biophysical profile score accurately predicts antepartum umbilical venous pH.