Intrapartum fetal atrial bigeminy--diagnostic and therapeutic role of the fetal scalp stimulation test

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996 May;174(5):1649-50. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9378(96)70624-5.

Abstract

Concern for fetal hypoxia often leads to cesarean delivery when persistent fetal bradycardia is identified. A fetus with premature atrial contractions had a prolonged second-stage heart rate of 80 beats/min. Intrapartum echocardiography and electronic fetal heart rate monitoring distinguished bradycardia caused by blocked atrial bigeminy from hypoxic bradycardia. The fetal scalp stimulation test documented normal acid-base balance and normalized the ventricular rate, avoiding cesarean delivery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atrial Premature Complexes / complications
  • Atrial Premature Complexes / diagnosis*
  • Atrial Premature Complexes / therapy*
  • Bradycardia / etiology
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Fetal Diseases / therapy*
  • Fetal Monitoring
  • Fetus / physiology
  • Heart Rate, Fetal
  • Humans
  • Labor, Obstetric*
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Scalp / embryology*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal