Effects of maternal hyperoxygenation on ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms in normal third-trimester fetuses

On the basis of the data obtained in sheep fetuses showing a high interdependence between umbilical vein oxygenation and ductus venosus flow, we investigated the effect of maternal hyperoxygenation on ductus venosus velocity waveforms in normal third-trimester human fetuses. Ductus venosus velocity waveforms were recorded by using color and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography before and after 15 min of maternal administration of humidified 60% oxygen. During maternal hyperoxygenation, there was a significant increase of both estimated peak velocities during systole, diastole and atrial contraction and the mean temporal velocity during the total cardiac cycle and systolic and diastolic portions. On the other hand, during maternal hyperoxygenation, no significant changes were found in fetal heart rate or in the ratios between peak velocities and mean temporal velocities during systole and diastole. These findings suggest a close relationship between fetal oxygenation and ductus venosus velocity waveforms that may be useful in monitoring fetal hypoxemia.