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Fetal catecholamine responses to vibroacoustic stimulation
K W Murphy1, K P Hanretty, G C Inglis
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mother's Hospital, Yorkhill, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Fetal vibroacoustic stimulation elicits a heart rate response but does not increase fetal catecholamines. This suggests the fetal heart rate response is not mediated by a surge in systemic catecholamines.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Fetal Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Fetal sympathoadrenal system activation is crucial for stress response.
- Vibroacoustic stimulation is used to assess fetal well-being.
- The mechanism of fetal heart rate response to vibroacoustic stimulation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if fetal vibroacoustic stimulation triggers catecholamine release from the fetal sympathoadrenal system.
- To determine the role of catecholamines in the fetal heart rate response to vibroacoustic stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, prospective, controlled trial.
- Comparison of cord blood catecholamine levels (norepinephrine, epinephrine) between fetuses receiving vibroacoustic stimulation and controls.
- Recording of fetal heart rate response to vibroacoustic stimulation.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in norepinephrine or epinephrine levels between stimulated and control groups.
- Seven out of 10 fetuses showed a positive heart rate response to vibroacoustic stimulation.
- Fetal norepinephrine levels were influenced by maternal blood pressure and ephedrine administration.
Conclusions:
- Vibroacoustic stimulation elicits a fetal heart rate response.
- Vibroacoustic stimulation does not induce a surge of catecholamines from the fetal sympathoadrenal system.
- The immediate fetal heart rate response to vibroacoustic stimulation is unlikely to be mediated by systemic catecholamine surge.