Fetal vibro-acoustic stimulation with a can--a clinical study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness of the can as a fetal vibro-acoustic stimulator in the clinical environment.

PATIENTS AND SETTING

112 high-risk obstetric patients at Coronation Hospital, Johannesburg.

METHOD

161 vibro-acoustic stimulation tests with a can and 159 non-stress tests (NSTs) were performed. The results of the can test were compared with those of the NSTs and with fetal outcome at delivery.

RESULTS

The can test showed poor sensitivity (5/9). Three of the 4 false-negative results were due to placental abruption that occurred subsequent to the can test. The ability of the can test to predict a reactive NST and good fetal outcome was 94% (negative predictive value).

CONCLUSIONS

In view of the reasonable negative predictive value, the test should be evaluated further as a screening test at primary care level, where there are few or no cardiotocographic facilities.