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[Doppler measurement of fetal blood flow. I. Normal values in the umbilical artery]
From October 1986 to October 1987 flow velocity waveforms (FVW) from the umbilical artery were measured in 260 healthy pregnant women. Measurements were performed by means of a Doppler ultrasound unit Kranzbuehler ADR 8130. A/B indices, RI (resistance index) and PI (pulsatility index), were used for the FVW analysis. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to the gestational age (20-23, 24-27, 28-31, 32-35, 36-37, 38-41 weeks of gestation). The value, standard deviation and coefficient of variability were calculated in each group for all three indices. The values obtained for groups 20-23 and 38-41 gestation week were compared and a significant decrease of the index values toward the end of pregnancy was observed (t A/B = 9.08, P less than 0.01; t RI = 9.33, P less than 0.01; t PI = 8.65, P less than 0.01). The finding suggests a decrease of peripheral resistance in the fetal circulation at the end of pregnancy. The nomograms obtained for the FVW umbilical artery suggest the clinical application of blood flow measurements possible in centres with adequate equipment but no capability to produce their own nomograms.
From October 1986 to October 1987 flow velocity waveforms (FVW) from the umbilical artery were measured in 260 healthy pregnant women. Measurements were performed by means of a Doppler ultrasound unit Kranzbuehler ADR 8130. A/B indices, RI (resistance index) and PI (pulsatility index), were used for the FVW analysis. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to the gestational age (20-23, 24-27, 28-31, 32-35, 36-37, 38-41 weeks of gestation). The value, standard deviation and coefficient of variability were calculated in each group for all three indices. The values obtained for groups 20-23 and 38-41 gestation week were compared and a significant decrease of the index values toward the end of pregnancy was observed (t A/B = 9.08, P less than 0.01; t RI = 9.33, P less than 0.01; t PI = 8.65, P less than 0.01). The finding suggests a decrease of peripheral resistance in the fetal circulation at the end of pregnancy. The nomograms obtained for the FVW umbilical artery suggest the clinical application of blood flow measurements possible in centres with adequate equipment but no capability to produce their own nomograms.