Fetal state assessment using fuzzy analysis of fetal heart rate signals-Agreement with the neonatal outcome

Fetal monitoring is based on analysis of fetal heart rate signal. Visual interpretation is difficult so computer-aided systems for quantitative analysis are commonly used. The clinical interpretation guidelines provided by FIGO (Federation Internationale de Gynecologie et d'Obstetrique) were used to develop the weighted fuzzy scoring system for qualitative assessment of the fetal state. In this work, agreement of the fuzzy classification system with the neonatal outcome assessment was analyzed. Various datasets were evaluated, depending on interpretation method of the signals which were recorded from patients. The obtained results confirmed possibility of the efficient fetal state assessment using the fuzzy inference method proposed. (C) 2013 Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.