[Pathologic Doppler flow findings and cardiotocography results].

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Fetal Medicine
• Diagnostic Ultrasound

Background:

• Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) poses significant risks to fetal well-being.
• Doppler ultrasound and fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring are crucial tools in assessing fetal health.
• Early identification of at-risk fetuses is essential for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between Doppler flow measurements and FHR recordings in pregnant patients.
• To evaluate the predictive value of abnormal Doppler flow findings for IUGR and fetal compromise.
• To determine the timing of abnormal Doppler findings relative to FHR abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 1950 pregnant patients, with a focus on 66 patients exhibiting highly abnormal Doppler flow findings.
• Doppler ultrasound measurements of fetal aorta and umbilical artery blood flow.
• Continuous Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring, including non-stress tests.

Main Results:

• Abnormal Doppler flow measurements in the fetal aorta and umbilical artery correlated well with IUGR diagnosis.
• In 21% of cases with abnormal Doppler findings, no abnormal FHR was detected until delivery.
• Abnormal FHR recordings occurred before, concurrently with, or after abnormal Doppler findings, with median intervals varying based on end-diastolic blood flow presence.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal Doppler flow signals are valuable early prognostic criteria for identifying fetuses at risk.
• Doppler velocimetry, particularly absent end-diastolic blood flow, can indicate a compromised fetus earlier.
• The findings support the use of Doppler ultrasound as a key tool in managing high-risk pregnancies.