ST segment analysis as an adjunct to electronic fetal monitoring, Part I: background, physiology, and interpretation

Michael A Belfort; George R Saade

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.009

ST segment analysis as an adjunct to electronic fetal monitoring, Part I: background, physiology, and interpretation

Clin Perinatol. 2011 Mar;38(1):143-57, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.009.

Authors

Michael A Belfort¹, George R Saade

Affiliation

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA. michael.belfort@hcahealthcare.com

PMID: 21353095
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2010.12.009

Abstract

Fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) ST segment analysis (STAN) was approved in 2005 in the United States as an adjunct to electronic fetal heart rate monitoring to determine whether obstetrical intervention is warranted when there is an increased risk for developing metabolic acidosis. STAN has utility in the reduction of fetal acidosis at birth, decreased need for fetal scalp blood sampling during labor, and decreased need for operative vaginal delivery and emergency cesarean delivery for fetal indications. This article discusses specific fetal ECG changes and their significance and the use of the STAN system.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Acidosis / physiopathology
Acidosis / prevention & control
Delivery, Obstetric
Electrocardiography / methods*
Female
Heart Rate, Fetal / physiology*
Humans
Labor, Obstetric
Obstetric Labor Complications / blood
Obstetric Labor Complications / diagnosis*
Obstetric Labor Complications / physiopathology
Pregnancy
Scalp / blood supply