Biophysical profile for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies.

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.

REVIEWER'S 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.