Fetal heart rate acceleration in relation to the oxytocin challenge test.

Fetal heart rate (FHR) acceleration was evaluated in 1570 oxytocin challenge test (OCT) results, which were performed on 565 high-risk patients. In positive OCTs a significant decrease or lack of FHR acceleration was noted. Fetuses with positive OCTs and lack of FHR acceleration were more compromised than those with better FHR acceleration.. Negative OCTs were associated with a good FHR acceleration approximately 95% of the time. Study of FHR acceleration in suspicious OCTs proved to be helpful in determining the significance and prognosis of a suspicious OCT.