Uterus inferior segment compression as a clinical test for diagnosing nuchal cord

Abstract  

To investigate sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy of uterus inferior segment compression (UISC) as clinical test for diagnosing nuchal cord. This test is used empirically. The clinical test was applied to 214 pregnant women in the first phase of delivery with single cephalic fetuses. The main observation was deceleration of the fetal heart rate by performing the clinical test in the presence of nuchal cord. Statistic analysis was done by χ²-test. The results were: sensitivity 35.7%, specificity 84.8%, positive predictive value 45.4%, negative predictive value 78.8% and accuracy 71.9% (χ²=10.66, p=0.0011). The UISC could be used as a tool in the initial exploration of the term pregnant woman in labor without complications to rule out the presence of nuchal cord. When the UISC test is positive, close vigilance is recommended along with the availability of an emergency team in case of fetal distress.