The role of telemetry in perinatal monitoring.

In the field of transmission and exchange of clinical information particularly good results are foreseen with the development of data telemetry. In perinatal medicine the telemetric technologies are being employed in several situations. It is possible to subdivide the telemetric technologies into short and long distance systems. Short distance telemetry employs devices which utilize radiowaves or laser techniques to transmit data from the original source to centralized equipment; the main application is the transmission of the cardiotocographic signal to permit ambulation of the patient during recording. It may allow fetal heart rate testing to be performed in a setting more acceptable to patients telemetric not be physically confined to a bed or a chair. The telemetric transmission of the cardiotocogram (CTG) may solve problems of organization when the ratio of parturient to midwife exceeds 1:1. Long distance telemetry consists of the telephone transmission of data obtained from distant source to a consultation center when the data can be evaluated, stored and where hospital staff may suggest appropriate decision related to clinical course. In prenatal medicine, the system can offer the monitoring of maternal blood pressure, automatic urine and glucose analyses, surveillance of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. CTG telemetry has been used with good results for the prevention of preterm labor while blood pressure control by telemetry may be useful for the prevention and management of gestational hypertension. Knowledge by the pregnant woman that it is possible to continuously monitor by telemetric technology her health and the health of her fetus provides reassurance during a delicate period. The employment of telemetric system may reduce the number and the duration of the hospital admissions with economical benefits while effectively providing surveillance in situations where there is an evident absence of adequate obstetric staff.