Biophysical profile for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Biophysical profile usually includes ultrasound monitoring of fetal movements, fetal tone and fetal breathing, ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid volume and assessment of fetal heart rate by electronic monitoring.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of biophysical profile tests on pregnancy outcome in high risk pregnancies.

SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth trials register. Date of last search: October 1998.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing fetal biophysical profile with other forms of fetal assessment in women with high risk pregnancies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality was assessed.

MAIN RESULTS: Four studies were included. Most trials were not of high quality. No difference was found between biophysical profile and other forms of fetal assessment over a range of fetal and neonatal measures.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: At present, there is not enough evidence from randomised trials to evaluate the use of biophysical profile as a test of fetal well-being in high risk pregnancies.