



@article {3312,
	title = {Development and evaluation of an algorithm for computer analysis of maternal heart rate during labor},
	journal = {Computers in Biology and Medicine},
	volume = {49},
	year = {2014},
	note = {Export Date: 21 November 2014},
	month = {2014},
	pages = {30 - 35},
	abstract = {Background: Maternal heart rate (MHR) recordings are morphologically similar and sometimes coincident with fetal heart rate (FHR) recordings and may be useful for maternal-fetal monitoring if appropriately interpreted. However, similarly to FHR, visual interpretation of MHR features may be poorly reproducible. Methods: A computer algorithm for on-line MHR analysis was developed based on a previously existing version for FHR analysis. Inter-observer and computer-observer agreement and reliability were assessed in 40 one-hour recordings obtained from 20 women during the last 2. h of labor. Agreement and reliability were evaluated for the detection of basal MHR, long-term variability (LTV), accelerations and decelerations, using proportions of agreement (PA) and Kappa statistic (K), with 95\% confidence intervals (95\% CI). Changes in MHR characteristics between the first and the second hour of the tracings were also evaluated. Results: There was a statistically significant inter-observer and computer-observer agreement and reliability in estimation of basal MHR, accelerations, decelerations and LTV, with PA values ranging from 0.72 (95\% CI: 0.62-0.79) to 1.00 (95\% CI: 0.99-1.00), and K values ranging from 0.44 (95\% CI: 0.28-0.60) to 0.89 (95\% CI: 0.82-0.96). Moreover, basal MHR, number of accelerations and LTV were significantly higher in the last hour of labor, when compared to the initial hour. Discussion: The developed algorithm for on-line computer analysis of MHR recordings provided good to excellent computer-observer agreement and reliability. Moreover, it allowed an objective detection of MHR changes associated with labor progression, providing more information about the interpretation of maternal-fetal monitoring during labor. {\textcopyright} 2014 Elsevier Ltd.},
	keywords = {Agreement, Cardiotocography, computer analysis, Fetal heart rate, Maternal heart rate, reliability},
	url = {http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84897934596\&partnerID=40\&md5=95b314c6374a68fedb313594f59fdcce},
	author = {Pinto, P. and Bernardes, J. and Costa-Santos, C. and Amorim-Costa, C. and Silva, M. and Ayres-de-Campos, D.}
}
@article {3287,
	title = {External uterine contractions signal analysis in relation to labor progression and dystocia},
	journal = {IFMBE Proceedings},
	volume = {41},
	year = {2014},
	note = {Export Date: 21 November 2014},
	month = {2014},
	pages = {555 - 558},
	abstract = {Labor dystocia is a major cause of operative delivery, which is associated with increased risks for both mother and fetus. We assessed linear and non-linear dynamics of external uterine contraction signals, in relation to labor progression and dystocia. Linear time domain, spectral and entropy methods were used to analyze external uterine contraction recordings obtained during the last two hours of labor, in 28 cases with normal and 27 cases with operative deliveries (forceps, vacuum or caesarean). Progression of labor was associated with a statistically significant increase in most linear time domain and spectral indices, both in normal and operative deliveries, whereas most entropy indices increased in normal deliveries, but did not change in operative deliveries. On the other hand, when compared with normal births, operative deliveries were associated with significantly increased entropy indices before the last hour of labor and significantly decreased (a probably associated) sympatho-vagal balance in the last hour of labor. Linear and non-linear analysis of external uterine contraction recordings may provide useful physiopathological and clinical information on the progression of labor and the diagnosis of dystocia. {\textcopyright} Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.},
	keywords = {Cardiotocography, Dystocia, entropy, External uterine contractions, Spectral analysis},
	url = {http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84891293956\&partnerID=40\&md5=2d53a97f6000b704bf67435b61662c09},
	author = {Gon{\c c}alves, H. and Pinto, P. and Ayres-de-Campos, D. and Bernardes, J.}
}
