New publication - Limitations of ST analysis in clinical practice
Limitations of ST analysis in clinical practice: three cases of intrapartum metabolic acidosis.
Westerhuis MEMH, Kwee A, van Ginkel AA, Drogtrop AP, Gyselaers WJA, Visser GHA.
BJOG 2007. 114;10:1194-1201.
This report discusses pitfalls associated with the clinical application of the STAN technology. It is a case note review of three cases from different hospitals with newborns with evident metabolic acidosis, born without significant ST changes. The report identifies poor signal quality, difficulties in CTG interpretation, failure to comply with guidelines and deterioration of CTG without ECG alert as leading causes of theses adverse outcomes. The authors recommend that the clinical guidelines should be revised and include a more detailed instruction regarding correct identification of difficult cases and that the guidelines should suggest adequate interventions.