[Correlation of fetal umbilical artery velocity waveforms with placental pathology and biochemistry].
The ratio of peak systolic to least diastolic flow velocity (S/D) of the umbilical artery was measured in 119 pregnant women and its relation with placental pathology were studied. Results obtained indicated that S/D ratio decreased gradually with advanced gestational age and showed a negative correlation (r = -0.972 8, P < 0.01). A ratio of < 3 was defined as normal value. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the S/D ratio and their placental histological findings were compared. The number of small arteries in the tertiary villi stem and syncytial vascular membranes were significantly less in group 2 (S/D > or = 3) than that in group 1 (S/D < 3, P < 0.01). The counts of villous syncytial knots and stroma fibrosis of villi were more significant in the placenta of group 2 as well. The mean value of molondialdehyde in placenta of group 2 was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that of group 1, while superoxide dismutase value is to the contrary (P < 0.01). These indicated that there was a reduced circulation resistance in placenta during normal pregnancy and remained stable till term. When S/D > or = 3, it indicated that physiological and biochemical changes occurred in placenta and the outcome of pregnancy might be affected.
Zheng
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First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang.
Hu
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S
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002824:Chorionic Villi / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*