The value of umbilical artery Doppler analysis in the prediction of fetal acidosis in labour.
Doppler waveform analysis of the umbilical artery was performed on 42 patients with decelerations of the fetal heart rate during the first stage of labour. A fetal scalp blood sample was analysed or caesarean section was performed. At delivery the umbilical vein pH was estimated. A significant negative correlation between the umbilical vein pH and the pulsatility index of the Doppler waveform was found (r = -0.59). There was not a significant correlation between the pulsatility index and the scalp pH measurement. The use of Doppler waveform analysis in labour is discussed.
Puzey
M S
MS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town.
Lindow
S W
SW
D000138:Acidosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000502:physiology*; D005316:Fetal Distress / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*