Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry--an update

Doppler ultrasonography was introduced into clinical obstetric practice over 20 years ago. It is also accepted that a variety of common obstetrical complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction have their origin in abnormal development of the placental vasculature and this could be reflected in abnormal Doppler velocimetry. Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery has been the subject of multiple clinical studies but results have often been disputed due to differences in study populations and methodologies. In recent years, meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials have shown that incorporation of Doppler velocimetry into clinical practice will reduce perinatal mortality in high-risk patients. This article reviews the data of the meta-analyses as it pertains to the management of high-risk pregnant patients.