Blood Velocity Waveforms in the Fetal Aorta and Umbilical Artery as Predictors of Fetal Outcome: A Comparison

• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999326
• Publication Date: 2008-11-06T11:38:59Z
• Authors: Saemundur Gudmund...; Karel Maršál
• Keywords: Umbilical artery; Apgar score; Biophysical profile

In 139 pregnancies in which intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was suspected at routine ultrasound screening 32 weeks of gestation, blood velocity the fetal aorta and umbilical artery recorded by a pulsed Doppler every second week until delivery. The maximum flow waveforms (FVWs) were analyzed for pulsatility index (PI) class (BFC). both vessels, an abnormal PI (> mean + 2 SD normal population) BFC final antenatal examination significantly associated with occurrence IUGR (birthweight ≤ - SD) (p < 0.001), operative delivery distress low 1-minute Apgar score (≤ 7). better predictor outcome than aortic PI, but similarly predictive vessels. data indicate that simple umbi lical examination, can be preformed blindly instrument without help real-time scanner, is reliable method monitoring status when suspected.