Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
07:59
Ultrasonography in Experimental Reproductive Investigations on Rats
Published on: December 2, 2017
Updated reference ranges for the ductus venosus pulsatility index at 11-13 weeks
Joan Sabria1, Carmina Comas, Carles Barceló-Vidal
1Ultrasound Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain. jsabria@hsjdbcn.org
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|August 8, 2012
Summary
Updated reference ranges for the ductus venosus pulsatility index (DVPI) in early pregnancy are now available. These new DVPI ranges are lower than previous ones and decrease with fetal size, aiding in trisomy 21 screening.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Fetal Physiology
- Prenatal Diagnostics
Background:
- The ductus venosus pulsatility index (DVPI) is a key ultrasound marker in early pregnancy.
- Existing DVPI reference ranges may require updating to reflect current clinical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish updated reference ranges for the ductus venosus pulsatility index (DVPI).
- To assess DVPI changes over gestation and study period in early pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Calculated DVPI in 14,444 fetuses between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks gestation.
- Assessed DVPI evolution over a 4-year period and by crown-rump length (CRL) increments.
- Recalculated weighted medians, percentiles, and distribution parameters for DVPI.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in DVPI was observed over the study period and with increasing gestational age.
- Newly calculated DVPI medians were lower than previously reported and decreased with CRL.
- Updated distribution parameters differed from prior data.
Conclusions:
- Updated DVPI reference ranges are lower than previous ones and show a decrease with CRL.
- These new ranges are essential for accurate trisomy 21 screening and quality control.
