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VECTORCARDIOGRAPHY AND ACID-BASE BALANCE IN THE HUMAN FETUS
Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1972.tb14179.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 79, Issue 5, pages 416–423, May 1972
Additional Information
How to Cite
Symonds, E. M. (1972), VECTORCARDIOGRAPHY AND ACID-BASE BALANCE IN THE HUMAN FETUS. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 79: 416–423. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1972.tb14179.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 23 AUG 2005
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Summary
An analysis of the configuration of the fetal electrocardiogram assessed by recording the ratio of the positive and negative deflections of the QRS complex has been performed in relation to the QRS complex of the neonatal electrocardiogram. Changes in R/S ratios in the fetal electrocardiogram late in labour were significantly related to changes in Lead II of the neonatal electrocardiogram.
On the basis of the method described by Larks (1965) the mean cardiac axis of the fetus early in labour was +144.5° and late in labour +143.2°. The mean neonatal cardiac axis recorded within five hours after delivery was +134°.
The fetal cardiac axis showed a significant shift to the left in relation to fetal acidosis and hyperkalaemia. Similar changes were seen in the neonatal electrocardiogram in relation to biochemical changes.