Objective: To determine the correlation between the rapid biophysical profile (rBPP), the combination of amniotic fluid index (AFI), and sound-provoked fetal movement (SPFM) detected by ultrasound, and the full biophysical profile (FBP) in terms of abnormal and normal result.
Material and method: A prospective study was performed in 200 singleton pregnancies with no fetal anomalies between 30-42 weeks of gestation indicated for non-stress test (NST). All participants received both the standard (FBP) and the new rBPP examinations. Abnormal fetal test was defined as having a score of < or = 6 for FBP or < or = 2 for rBPP. The main outcome measurement was Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) between both examinations.
Results: The incidences of the abnormal tests were 1.5% and 6.0% in FBP and rBPP, respectively. The data showed a positive correlation between the two tests (r(s) = 0.67; p < 0.01). Regarding the operative time, FBP assessment was 25.56 +/- 8.75 times longer than rBPP. The number of abnormal NST was remarked at 1.5% while oligohydramnios and abnormal SPFM were detected at 5% and 2%, respectively. Compared to the standard NST, rBPP test was significantly superior in terms of correlation with FBP (r(s) = 0.67 vs. 0.33) and shorter duration of test (1.21 +/- 0.32 min. vs. 21.65 +/- 5.47).
Conclusion: The statistically significant positive correlation between rBPP and FBP has been revealed. Due to its simplicity, rapidity, and no need of expensive equipment or experienced interpreter the rBPP may be alternatively used as a primary antepartum fetal test in the overcrowded obstetric center or when fetal surveillance tests are limited.