Abnormal fetal aortic velocity waveform and minor neurological dysfunction at 7 years of age.
Measurements of fetal aortic blood flow velocity and fetal growth were performed in 178 pregnancies. In 87 cases, the estimated fetal weight was > or = 2 SD below the gestational age-related mean of the population. Three fetuses died in utero. In 149 children (85%), a neurological examination was performed at 7 years of age with special emphasis on minor neurological dysfunction. The frequency of the more severe form of minor neurological dysfunction, MND-2, was higher in the group with blood flow class (BFC) III (absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity (8/21) than in the group with BFC 0 (normal velocity waveform) (14/105). Logistic regression analysis revealed that abnormal blood flow class, both independently and in combination with other factors, was the most significant predictor of MND-2. The association found between abnormal fetal aortic velocity waveforms and adverse outcome in terms of minor neurological dysfunction suggests that hemodynamic evaluation of the fetus has a predictive value regarding postnatal neurological development.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
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D
Ley
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J
Laurin
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I
Bjerre
K
K
Marsal
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal