Fetal heart and surroundings: umbilical cord traction triggers sympathetic heart rate surge in fetal lambs in the artificial womb.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate whether umbilical cord traction triggers a unique umbilico-neuro-cardio reflex via sympathetic autonomic nervous system (ANS) activation, potentially explaining fetal heart rate (FHR) increases such as the double mountain peak sign and unexplained tachycardia outside labor.

Design

Experimental physiological study using the EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) system.

Setting

Controlled laboratory environment at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with fetal lambs supported by the EXTEND system.

Population or sample

Twenty-nine experiments were performed on three fetal lambs: 5 ANS-immature (<110 days gestational age) and 24 ANS-mature (>110 days GA), including subgroups for pharmacological intervention.

Meth

SUBMITTER: Castaldi MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12696492 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature