Complexity analysis of fetal ECG signals during labour

Objectives: This study was performed to prove, if the use of methods, that are based on procedures for analysis of chaotic systems (''complexity analysis''), can give information on the fetal condition during birth and predict both the course of delivery and fetal outcome. Patients and methods: Fetal ECG was derived in 37 pregnancies (36-42 weeks of gestation) during birth for two to seven hours. In 12 cases delivery was uncomplicated, in 24 cases FHR tracings had been pathological. Results: Complexity analysis of fetal ECG signals showed within short observation intervals criteria that may be a hint for imminent fetal distress and acidosis. Conclusions: Application of complexity analysis in the future may give additional information for evaluation of intrapartum CTG in cases of suspicious FHR patterns.