Research article summary (published 29 Sep 2007):

Blood flow in ductus venosus in early uncomplicated pregnancy.

Full Abstract

The ductus venosus is the very important part of fetal venous circulation. It plays a central role in return of venous blood from the placenta. This unique shunt carries well-oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein through the inferior atrial inlet on its way across the foramen ovale. Using Doppler ultrasound, it is possible to assess the blood flow in fetal vessels including ductus venosus. It is observed, in animal and human studies, that the typical waveform for blood flow in ductus venosus in early pregnancy can be different depending on numerous conditions e.g. fetal karyotype. This study is performed to assess the physiologic parameters of blood flow in ductus venosus in uncomplicated early pregnancy. Material and Methods: 404 women were examined between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks (+ days) of gestation by ultrasound. Fetal crown-rump length (CRL) was measured to assess the gestational age. The assessment of risk of fetal abnormalities was based on nuchal translucency (NT) measurement. The ductus venosus blood flow with color and spectral Doppler was obtained in all patients. The following features were assessed: pulsatility index (PI), and direction of flow (positive/negative) during atrial contraction (wave A). All cases were followed up to 22 weeks of gestation when the control scan was performed. Results and conclusions: 30 cases were excluded from the uncomplicated group due to: high risk of fetal abnormalities, fetal loss, confirmed fetal abnormalities and utero-placental pathology. 374 women were considered as uncomplicated pregnancy. In both uncomplicated and complicated groups the mean values for pulsatility index (PI) were established. The mean PI value in uncomplicated pregnancies was: 0.91 (SD +/- 0.32). No significant differences between groups were noticed. In 370 cases of uncomplicated pregnancy the A wave direction was positive but in 1.1% of cases the reverse flow in atrial contraction was observed.

Author information

Author/s: Sodowski, Krzysztof (K); Cnota, Wojciech (W); Czuba, Bartosz (B); Borowski, Dariusz (D); Wielgos, Miroslaw (M); Kaminski, Pawel (P); Jaczynska, Renata (R); Wloch, Agata (A); Kuka, Dorota (D); Zwirska-Korczala, Krystyna (K); Szaflik, Krzysztof (K);

Affiliation: Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic Ruda Slaaka, Silesian Medical Academy Katowice, Poland.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Neuro endocrinology letters (Neuro Endocrinol Lett), published in Sweden. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Oct; vol 28 (issue 5) : pp 713-6

Dates: Created 2007/12/06; Completed 2008/02/11;

PMID: 17984953, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Blood Flow Velocity Female Fetal Heart - physiology Fetus - blood supply Gestational Age Humans Pregnancy

Pregnancy Reference Values Regional Blood Flow Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed Ultrasonography, Prenatal - methods Umbilical Veins - physiology; ultrasonography Vena Cava, Inferior - physiology; ultrasonography

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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