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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
[Effect of heparin on umbilical blood flow in patients with fetal growth retardation]
Yan-hong Yu1, Li-yong Shen, Zhi-jian Wang
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. youthkitty@yahoo.com
Objective:
To investigate the effect of heparin on umbilical blood flow in pregnant women with fetal growth retardation (FGR).
Methods:
A total of 103 FGR women were randomized into control group (n=37), standard heparin group (n=35) and low-molecular-weight heparin group (n=31). Low-molecular-weight dextran was given in the control group, and the other two groups received agents for intervention as indicated. The umbilical blood flow, 1-minute Apgar score, body weight and gestational age of the neonates were measured and compared between the 3 groups.
Results:
As the gestational age increases, the systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were significantly lowered in the two heparin groups in comparison with those in the control group (P<0.05). One-minute Apgar score and body weight of the neonates were significantly greater in the two heparin groups (P<0.05), and the gestational age was also significantly longer (P<0.05). No statistical differences in the indices measured were noted between the two heparin groups (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
Heparin, which is safe for both the mothers and their fetuses, might improve fetal growth and development, increase neonate body weight, prolong the gestational age and raise the one-minute Apgar score.
