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[Fetal outcome in reduced flow in the ductus venosus during atrial contraction]
Objective:
To document the fetal outcome in cases with pathologic Doppler findings in the fetal ductus venosus.
Methods:
The outcome of 12 fetuses with reduced velocities in the ductus venosus during atrial contraction was analyzed retrospectively and compared with that of a group of 57 fetuses with normal flow velocities in the umbilical artery and in the fetal ductus venosus.
Results:
The perinatal mortality was higher in the group with pathologic Doppler findings. There was no significant difference of pH (7.20 vs. 7.24) and Apgar scores (7.57 vs. 8.36) of survivors between the two groups. All 12 fetuses showed increased retrograde velocities in the inferior vena cava. Seven fetuses showed umbilical vein pulsations.
Conclusions:
The diagnosis of altered velocities in the ductus venosus may influence prenatal decisions. Therefore Doppler examinations of the fetal ductus venosus should be performed in high-risk pregnancies.