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Volumetric flow in the umbilical artery: normative data
J W Goldkrand1, D H Moore, S U Lentz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, Georgia 31403-3089, USA.
Objective:
Provide normative data for the volumetric blood flow (cc/min and cc/min/kg) in the umbilical artery.
Methods:
Flow was determined from an umbilical artery in 252 normal obstetrical patients from 18-40 weeks' gestation utilizing pulsed Doppler and color flow Doppler with an angle of insonation of 30-60 degrees. Simultaneous velocimetry studies (S/D ratio, resistance and pulsatility indices), fetal biometry, and an anatomic survey were obtained to further define the normal population.
Results:
There was a steady increase in the flow (cc/min) in the umbilical artery as pregnancy progressed. Flow/kg showed a steady decline as fetal weight increased. Umbilical artery diameter increased until reaching a plateau at 32-34 weeks. Velocimetric results were consistent with known data.
Conclusions:
Volumetric blood flow in the umbilical artery can be determined with relative ease and normative data from 18-40 weeks is presented for the first time.