tachysystole vs hyperstimulation

[Deirdre]

The other night at work I had a conflict with 2 new ob's over the term hyperstim, they stated that it was only hyperstim if the fh became nonreassuring, that what i was calling hyperstim was in fact tachysystole. I went on line and did find literature on tachysystole. I asked another practioner and she had never heard the term either. is this to be our new lingo??? Feedback Please!!!

[SmilingBluEyes]

to be truthful I have heard the terms used interchangeably by many doctors. However, we only use "hyperstim" where I work. From an OB-GYN message board, here is their definition of each:

Definitions: a) Tachysystole: At least 6 contractions in 10 minutes for 2 consecutive 10 minute periods b) Hypertonus: A single contraction lasting 2 minutes c) Hyperstimulation Syndrome: tachysystole or hypertonus with associated fetal tachycardia, late decelerations, and/or loss of BTBV i) Treatment: - Terbutaline 250 micrograms IV/IM or - MgSO4 4g load over 20 minutes followed by 2g/hr IV

http://forums.obgyn.net/ob-gyn-l/OBGYNL.9706/0897.html

[tlopez761]

According to Maternal Child Nursing Book 4th edition states:"The terms hyperstimulation and hypercontractility are not defined and should be abandoned (Macones et al, 2008).

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Tachysystole is correct terminology that has been approved to be used instead of hyperstimulation.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes, hyperstim was the old terminology; tachysystole is the new.

[CEG]

The "new" (not really so new anymore!) NICHD guidelines use tachysystole in place of hyperstimulation. The reason they abandoned the old terms (as told from someone who sat on the committee) is that the terms were so poorly defined that they were used differently everywhere, so they just used new words and made clear cut definitions. Google NICHD Fetal Heart Monitoring guidelines for more info.

[deege58]

Hi Guys,

When I originally posted this it was January 2006. I have long since adjusted to the "new" terminology. My real concern at the time was that these docs were willing to ignore it unless fetal distress occurred. It was a small unit and there were many issues. The facility that I work in now is a large teaching hospital and I am happy to say keeps current with the national standards. Thanks for your feedback just the same.