Doppler flow velocity waveforms in fetal surveillance of twins: a prospective longitudinal study.
In 37 consecutive twin pregnancies, monthly Doppler sonographic measurements were made of blood flow velocity waveforms of the internal carotid and umbilical artery of each fetus. A total of 197 Doppler studies were performed. Of the 74 infants, 23 were small for gestational age (SGA). Thirty-five of the SGA Doppler studies were abnormal, giving an overall sensitivity for predicting SGA fetus of 58% and a positive predictive value of 71%. These data are not as sensitive and specific as our earlier data; however, Doppler criteria preceded sonographic diagnosis of SGA by a mean interval of 3.7 weeks and demonstrated better sensitivity and specificity. A combination of these parameters improves sensitivity to 84%. We conclude that Doppler velocimetry complements real-time ultrasonography for the early diagnosis of abnormal growth in twin pregnancies.
Degani
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Gonen
R
R
Shapiro
I
I
Paltiely
Y
Y
Sharf
M
M
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014427:Twins; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology