Early diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation by Doppler ultrasound.
The significance of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and the methods currently available for assessment of fetal growth are briefly reviewed. The use of Doppler ultrasound assessment of the flow velocity waveform (FVW) of the uteroplacental waveform at 16-18 weeks of gestation is outlined. A pilot study of 127 pregnancies suggested that the sensitivity of the test was 67% and the specificity 65%. The prediction value of a negative test was 92%. Six of the 14 cases of IUGR had a normal FVW, but 3 of these had asymmetrical morphology. Four of the 8 IUGR cases with an abnormal FVW required delivery by cesarean section. The FVW also appears to be a valuable predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension and fetal asphyxia.
Hackett
G
G
King's College Hospital, London, UK.
Campbell
S
S
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012212:Rheology; D014463:Ultrasonography