Evaluation of predictive capabilities of quantitative cardiotocographic signal features

Cardiotocography (CTG) is the main method of assessment of the fetal state during pregnancy and labour used in clinical practice. It is based on quantitative analysis of fetal heart rate, fetal movements and uterine contractions signals. The evaluation of the CTG signals can be made using criteria recommended by International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Nevertheless, the diagnosis verification is possible only after the delivery on the basis of newborn assessment. In the proposed work we evaluated the capacity of quantitative analysis of CTG traces in predicting fetal outcome. The relationship between CTG signal features and attributes of fetal outcome was assessed on the basis of ROC curves analysis. The obtained results indicate the adequate predictive capabilities of the selected CTG features especially for fetal outcome assessed with Apgar score and suggest the necessity of applying the criteria for the CTG traces evaluation that are related to the gestational age. Our study also shows the value of the CTG monitoring as a screening procedure providing appropriate confirmation of fetal wellbeing.