ST-analysis

Analysis of the ST-interval of the fetal electrocardiogram is an adjunct to cardiotocography. Fetal heart rate monitoring should be considered a screening tool, STAN allows more definitive diagnosis of fetal distress when abnormalities on the CTG are detected. Basic pathophysiologic research has demonstrated the rationale behind ST-segment and T/QRS changes, in two randomised controlled trials a lower number of operative deliveries for fetal distress has been demonstrated in CTG+ST versus CTG alone and also a reduction in the number of neonates with hypoxic encephalopathy has been shown.