Sinusoidal fetal heart rate. I. Clinical significance.

Sixteen cases of SHR are analyzed with respect to perinatal outcome, fetal scalp and umbilical arterial pH, and characteristics of the FHR pattern. There were no perinatal deaths in this series. The SHR is defined and a plan for management of the patient with SHR is proposed. A theoretical explanation of the pathophysiology of SHR is presented in terms of a fetal compensatory mechanism for hypoxia, based on these observations as well as a review of the literature. Biochemical data may provide valuable information permitting optimal management of patients with SHR patterns.