Predictive value of serial middle cerebral and renal artery pulsatility indices in fetuses with oligohydramnios.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if unexplained changes in the amniotic fluid index or pulsatility indices of the fetal renal, middle cerebral, or umbilical artery are predictive of perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios.


METHODS
Changes in amniotic fluid measurements and fetal vessel velocimetry in patients with oligohydramnios were evaluated for correlation with fetal outcome. Fourteen fetuses with oligohydramnios underwent serial sonography evaluating the amniotic fluid index and fetal middle cerebral, renal, and umbilical velocimetry. Matched controls and neonatal outcomes were obtained.


RESULTS
Change in amniotic fluid index and in renal artery pulsatility index were inversely correlated. Change in the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index was different in infants with normal outcome compared to infants with adverse outcome


CONCLUSIONS
Serial velocimetry of the middle cerebral artery may identify fetuses with oligohydramnios at risk for adverse outcomes.
Scott
L L
LL
Ft. Lauderdale Perinatal Associates, Florida, USA.
Casey
B M
BM
Roberts
S
S
McIntire
D
D
Twickler
D M
DM
D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D020768:Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000196:embryology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016104:Oligohydramnios / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000196:embryology* / Q000503:physiopathology