Intrapartum ST Segment Analyses (STAN) Using Simultaneous Invasive and Non-Invasive Fetal Electrocardiography: A Report of 6 Cases

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze ST segment analyses (STAN) using simultaneous traditional - gold standard invasive (fetal scalp electrode) and newly available non-invasive abdominal fetal electrocardiography (fECG) during delivery. Study Design: This was a prospective observational study of non-invasive fetal ECG using 5 abdominally sited electrodes (Monica AN24 (TM)) against the traditional fetal scalp electrodes (STAN S31 (TM)) on 6 patients. Data were analyzed when the STAN S31 (TM) found the baseline and when there was a baseline rise. Results: Successful fECG signal acquisition was achieved in 6/6 (100 %) patients. Using the non-invasive fECG, P and QRS waves were seen in all cases, and T waves in 3/6 (50 %). ST segment analysis analysis was possible in 6/6 (100 %) and 3/6 (50 %) using invasive and non-invasive fECG, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that ST segment analysis is feasible using invasive and non-invasive fECG. Further studies are warranted to confirm the preliminary results and improve ECG morphology of non-invasive fECG.