Vascular Doppler techniques.
Doppler ultrasound used for the assessment of the fetal umbilical circulation in the human pregnancy has been reported in the scientific literature since the early 1980s and has been rigorously evaluated by randomized, controlled trials. The consensus of the reviewers of these trials is that there do appear to be grounds for including umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound studies in the management of high-risk pregnancies. There is no apparent benefit for low-risk pregnancies or later gestation. Other fetal vascular beds are currently undergoing prospective studies and some limited randomized, controlled trials have been reported; but to date they are not at a point of development to be considered part of clinical management.
Giles
W B
WB
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia. mdwbg@mail.newcastle.edu.au
D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D020768:Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed / Q000379:methods*; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods*; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*