A comparison between umbilical artery velocimetry and standard antepartum surveillance in hospitalized high-risk patients.
One hundred forty-six women admitted to the high-risk obstetric unit between November 1987 and December 1988 participated in a study designed to compare Doppler umbilical artery flow studies with standard antepartum testing in the prediction of adverse fetal outcome. A Doppler ultrasound examination was considered abnormal when the average systolic/diastolic ratio was greater than or equal to 4. The antepartum testing consisted of a combined use of nonstress testing and contraction stress testing. If both the Doppler systolic/diastolic ratio and the antepartum testing were abnormal, there was a significantly increased incidence of intrauterine growth retardation (47%), fetal distress necessitating cesarean section (67%), and admission to neonatal intensive care (86%). Doppler umbilical artery flow studies are an important adjunct to antepartum fetal surveillance in high-risk patients but should not determine clinical management when standard antepartum surveillance remains normal.
Lowery
C L
CL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294.
Henson
B V
BV
Wan
J
J
Brumfield
C G
CG
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000502:physiology*