The NST-EXPERT project: the need to evolve.

NST-EXPERT is a medical expert system designed to evaluate fetal condition (especially in 'high risk' pregnancies). The system reasons based on data from the Non-Stress Test (NST), a monitoring test widely used in obstetrics. From specific limited maternal-fetal context information together with the analysis of the NST results the system infers a diagnosis for each case, elaborates a therapeutic plan, and suggests a prognosis of an early neonatal outcome. This article describes a new version based on a previous research prototype. Such systems can aid clinicians of varied experience in assessing and managing complicated pregnancies.