Sex differences in linear and complex fetal heart rate dynamics of normal and acidemic fetuses in the minutes preceding delivery
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João Bernardes
Abstract
Aim: To assess linear and complex heart rate dynamics in relation to fetal gender in normal and acidemic fetuses during the minutes preceding delivery.
Methods: Linear and non-linear fetal heart rate indices, namely mean FHR, long-term irregularity index, short-term variability, low and high frequency spectral indices, approximate and sample entropy, were assessed in 36 female and 30 male fetuses, adjusted for gestational age and weight, during the minutes preceding delivery. Analysis was performed in the initial and final minutes of each tracing in fetuses with umbilical artery blood pH at delivery ≥7.20, 7.11–7.19 and ≤7.10.
Results: Progression of labor was associated with a significant decrease in non-linear indices and an increase in almost all linear indices, both in female and male fetuses, but changes were more marked in female fetuses. Non-acidemic females showed higher mean FHR in the final minutes of labor, compared with males. Acidemic females had higher linear indices when compared to similar male fetuses.
Conclusions: During the minutes preceding delivery, female fetuses express higher linear indices than male fetuses, suggesting greater activation of the autonomic nervous system, while maintaining similar complexity indices, which suggests different reaction and adaptation capabilities to stress and distress.
©2009 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
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- Selected articles from the 31st scientific meeting of the New York Perinatal Society on May 19, 2008
- Advanced maternal age as a sole indication for genetic amniocentesis; risk-benefit analysis based on a large database reflecting the current common practice
- Risks for common medical conditions experienced by former preterm infants during toddler years
- Predictors of severe perineal lacerations in Chinese women
- Maternal and neonatal outcomes in early glucose tolerance testing in an obstetric population in New York city
- Original articles – Obstetrics
- Prelabor rupture of membranes at term requiring labor induction – a feature of occult fetal cephalopelvic disproportion?
- Group B Streptococcus colonization in pregnancy: prevalence and prevention strategies of neonatal sepsis
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