Biophysical profile for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 13 July 1995. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: Biophysical profile usually includes ultrasound monitoring of fetal movements, fetal tone and fetal breathing, ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume and assessment of fetal heart rate by electronic monitoring.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of biophysical profile tests on pregnancy outcome in high risk pregnancies.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register. Date of last search: October 1998.

Selection criteria: Randomised trials comparing fetal biophysical profile with other forms of fetal assessment in women with high risk pregnancies.

Data collection and analysis: Trial quality was assessed.

Main results: Four studies were included. Most trials were not of high quality. No difference was found between biophysical profile and other forms of fetal assessment over a range of fetal and neonatal measures.

Reviewers' conclusions: At present, there is not enough evidence from randomised trials to evaluate the use of biophysical profile as a test of fetal well-being in high risk pregnancies.

Citation: Alfirevic Z, Neilson JP. Biophysical profile for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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