Doppler assessment of fetal blood flow velocity waveforms during acute maternal oxygen administration as predictor of fetal outcome in post-term pregnancy.
The changes in fetal blood flow velocity waveforms during maternal administration of 60% humidified oxygen were assessed by Doppler ultrasonography in 45 post-term fetuses. During oxygen treatment, nine fetuses exhibited temporary increases (24.3 +/- 2.0% [1 standard deviation] above pretreatment values) in the pulsatility index at the level of internal carotid artery. Although no significant changes (2.9 +/- 5.1%) were found in the remaining 36 fetuses. In this former group a higher incidence of emergency cesarean delivery due to fetal distress and more neonatal complications were observed. Also, meconium staining of the amniotic fluid and low 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores occurred more frequently in the group of fetuses who responded to maternal oxygen administration. An increase of at least 20% in the pulsatility index of internal carotid artery during maternal hyperoxygenation may be a useful marker of adverse outcome in post-term fetuses.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Roma, Italy.
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D
Arduini
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G
Rizzo
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C
Romanini
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S
Mancuso
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects*; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
D010100:Oxygen