Sex differences in linear and complex fetal heart rate dynamics of normal and acidemic fetuses in the minutes preceding delivery

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Joao Bernardes (Author) FMUP; Hernani Goncalves (Author) FCUP; Diogo Ayres de Campos (Author) FMUP; Ana Paula Rocha (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Perinatal Medicine

Vol. 37 No. 1

Pages: 168-176

ISSN: 0300-5577

Publisher: Walter De Gruyter

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 28 Citations

Scopus - 30 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Clinical medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-MY5

DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2009.024

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9