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[Fetal lung maturity and fetal flowmetry changes]
J Piazze1, M Anceschi, F Amici
1II istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica Policlinico Umberto I Università degli Studi La Sapienza di Roma. jjpiazze2000@hotmail.com
Acta Bio-Medica De L'Ateneo Parmense : Organo Della Societa Di Medicina E Scienze Naturali Di Parma
|June 27, 2001
Summary
Altered Doppler flow velocimetry waveforms in high-risk pregnancies indicate a delay in fetal lung maturity (FLM), especially after 33 weeks gestation. This suggests fetuses with abnormal UA/MCA ratios may not be protected from neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Neonatology
Context:
- High-risk pregnancies require careful monitoring for fetal well-being.
- Doppler flow velocimetry (FVW) is a key tool for assessing fetal circulation.
- Amniotic fluid (AF) analysis provides insights into fetal lung maturity (FLM).
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between altered Doppler FVW and biochemical/biophysical changes in AF lung surfactant in high-risk pregnancies.
- To determine if specific FVW patterns correlate with indicators of pulmonary maturity.
Summary:
- This study analyzed 108 high-risk pregnancies, focusing on 22 with altered FVW (Umbilical Artery Pulsatility Index and UA PI/Middle Cerebral Artery Pulsatility Index ratio).
- Amniotic fluid was assessed for lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio (L/S), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and lamellar bodies (LBs).
- Significant negative correlations were found between UA/MCA ratio and L/S and PG, particularly in pregnancies over 33 weeks gestation.
Impact:
- Findings challenge the assumption that abnormal UA/MCA ratios protect against neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
- Suggests a delay in fetal lung maturation in fetuses with altered FVW, particularly in later gestation.
- Highlights the importance of considering FVW in conjunction with FLM assessment for comprehensive risk evaluation.