title: Abnormal umbilical artery flow velocity waveform--a sign of fetal narcotic withdrawal?
abstract: We present a case of a heroin addict in whom Doppler flow study on the umbilical artery showed absent end diastolic flow at 29 weeks' gestation by ultrasound. Following methadone administration, the mother's withdrawal symptoms were controlled, the fetal diastolic flow returned, and there was a normal systolic/diastolic ratio. Delivery at 32 weeks' gestation by ultrasound resulted in a surviving infant who required treatment with phenobarbitone and morphine after birth to control withdrawal symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Tsan Yuk Hospital, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Lao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009357:Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone