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Non-invasive Optical Measurement of Cerebral Metabolism and Hemodynamics in Infants
Published on: March 14, 2013
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Cerebral haemodynamics in early puerperium: A prospective study
G P Anzola1, R Brighenti2, M Cobelli3
1Consultant Neurologist, Villa Gemma Hospital, Gardone Riviera, Italy.
Ultrasound (Leeds, England)
|June 2, 2017
Summary
Postpartum middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity is elevated due to blood loss, with values potentially exceeding 100 cm/second without indicating intracranial spasm. This flow velocity correlates with parity and can show asymmetry between hemispheres.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Physiology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Assessing cerebral blood flow is crucial for understanding postpartum physiological changes.
- Normal values for middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocity in puerperae are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal range of MCA blood flow velocity in both hemispheres of puerperae.
- To investigate factors influencing MCA blood flow velocity, including hemoglobin, parity, and interhemispheric asymmetry.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 900 consecutive puerperae within 96 hours of delivery.
- Transcranial Doppler sonography was used to measure mean flow velocity in the M1 and M2 segments of both MCAs.
- The Lindegaard index (LI) and asymmetry indexes were calculated.
Main Results:
- Mean MCA flow velocities were approximately 73 cm/second in the M1 and M2 segments.
- 12.1% of subjects exceeded 100 cm/second, but LI remained <3, indicating no intracranial spasm.
- Mean flow velocity showed an inverse correlation with hemoglobin levels and parity.
Conclusions:
- MCA blood flow velocity is higher in early puerperium compared to non-puerperal women, likely due to postpartum blood loss.
- Elevated MCA flow velocity above 100 cm/second in puerperae does not necessarily indicate pathology.
- Parity is an independent factor influencing MCA flow velocity, and significant interhemispheric asymmetry can occur.
