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Umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms and cord blood viscosity
F M Fairlie1, G D Lang, G G Lowe
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infimary, United Kingdom.
American Journal of Perinatology
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Cord blood viscosity did not correlate with umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) in pregnancies. However, abnormal PI was linked to fetal growth restriction and cesarean delivery for fetal distress.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Umbilical artery Doppler flow velocity waveforms (FVWs) assess fetal well-being.
- Pulsatility index (PI) is a key FVW parameter.
- The relationship between cord blood viscosity and fetal Doppler parameters requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cord blood viscosity and umbilical artery Doppler FVW in normal and complicated pregnancies.
- To determine if cord blood viscosity predicts abnormal fetal Doppler findings.
Main Methods:
- Quantified umbilical artery FVWs using pulsatility index (PI) in 22 normal and 29 complicated pregnancies.
- Measured whole blood and plasma viscosity.
- Correlated viscosity measurements with PI and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- No significant relationship was found between whole blood or plasma viscosity and umbilical artery PI.
- An abnormal PI (more than 2 SD from the mean) correlated with fetal growth retardation (birthweight < 5th centile).
- Abnormal PI also correlated with cesarean section for fetal distress and raised cord blood hematocrit.
Conclusions:
- Cord blood viscosity is not a determinant of umbilical artery PI.
- Abnormal umbilical artery PI is a significant indicator of adverse fetal outcomes, including growth restriction and fetal distress.
- Elevated cord blood hematocrit may be associated with abnormal PI.