The Relationship Between the Full Biophysical Profile and Rapid Biophysical Profile in Antepartum Fetal Surveillance

One of the best tests for the assessment of a fetus is the biophysical profile test which has a significant effect on the fetus’s health and the outcome of pregnancy. The present study was designed to determine the relationship between the full biophysical profile (FBP) and the rapid biophysical profile (RBP) tests in antepartum fetal surveillance.

In this prospective study, Singleton pregnancies (n=209) with more than 34 weeks of gestational age were chosen. Both FBP and RBP tests were performed for all the patients. The main outcome is the Apgar score and neonatal intensive care unit admission analyzed by SPSS software, version 24. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of RBP were calculated. 

Out of 209 people who entered the study, 48 women (23.0%) had gestational diabetes, 84 women (40.2%) had hypertension pregnancy (preeclampsia), 45 people (21.5%) had intrauterine growth restriction, and 45 women (21.5%) had post-date pregnancy. For predicting adverse fetal outcomes of pregnancy, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of RBP were 95%, 73%, 52%, and 98%, respectively.

According to the statistically significant positive correlation between RBP and FBP and its simple and rapid application, RBP might be an acceptable alternative method for primary antepartum fetal screening tests in overcrowded obstetrics centers.