Development of behavioral states in hydrocephalic fetuses.

Behavioral states observations were carried out in 12 hydrocephalic fetuses by means of a computerized system. Recordings of behavioral parameters, including fetal heart rate, gross body movements, breathing movements and eye movements, were performed at 2-week intervals from 30 weeks of gestation onwards. The hydrocephalic fetuses showed quantitative and qualitative differences in their motor behavior in comparison to healthy fetuses of equivalent gestational age. Similarly the appearance of behavioral states was delayed in hydrocephalic fetuses. Furthermore, an increased discordance between the behavioral parameters was evidenced. The degree of discordance seems to be related to the severity of neonatal outcome suggesting a possible estimation of CNS dysfunction by means of behavioral state analysis.