TITLE:
Doppler measurements in fetal descending aorta and umbilical artery can predict borderline oxygenation in pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome
AUTHORS:
Susanne E. Gruessner, Charles O. A. Omwandho, Corinna Peter
KEYWORDS:
Pre-Eclampsia; IUGR; Doppler Velocimetry; Fetal Descending Aorta
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.2 No.3,
September
7,
2012
ABSTRACT: Objective: To determine diagnostic utility of Doppler measurements in fetal descending aorta and umbilical arteries in predicting intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) fetuses at risk in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome. Methods: Doppler measurements were taken in fetal descending aorta and umbilical arteries of 53 patients with pre-eclampsia, 10 of whom had HELLP syndrome using fetometry (ACUSON 128XP/10, 3.5 MHz probe). These values were compared with those of 44 appropriate-for-gestational age singleton pregnancies (AGA). Doppler Indices (Resistance Index (RI), Systolic/Diastolic (S/D) ratio) and end-diastolic flows were related to fetal heart rate (FHR) during contraction stress test, to cord blood parameters (pH, Base Excess) and to Apgar Scores. Results: In contrast to AGA fetuses, IUGR fetuses had decreased end-diastolic flow and an increase of Doppler Indices significantly earlier in the descending aorta (p