Evaluating suspected fetal anemia with Doppler ultrasound

To evaluate Doppler studies of the fetal middle cerebral artery to predict fetal or neonatal anemia.

The perinatal database at one institution was searched for all patients evaluated for suspected fetal anemia. Middle cerebral artery peak velocity measurements just prior to cordocentesis or the last measurement prior to delivery was used for analysis. The primary outcome data analyzed were fetal or neonatal hematocrit at the time of the cordocentesis or delivery.

During the study period there were 36 patients who met the inclusion criterion. There was a significant correlation between middle cerebral artery peak velocity and fetal or neonatal hematocrit.

Peak flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery is an accurate, noninvasive clinically useful method of evaluating suspected fetal anemia.