Longitudinal changes in the ductus venosus, cerebral transverse sinus and cardiotocogram in fetal growth restriction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the changes in flow velocity waveforms in the transverse cerebral sinus in growth-restricted fetuses and to correlate these changes with (1) flow velocity waveforms in the ductus venosus and (2) changes in computerized analysis of the fetal cardiotocogram.


METHODS
Fetuses between 22 and 37 weeks' gestation with an estimated fetal weight below the fifth centile were included in this prospective longitudinal study. Doppler measurements of the umbilical artery, descending aorta, middle cerebral artery, transverse cerebral sinus and ductus venosus were recorded. Fetal heart rate was analyzed by a computer system according to the Dawes-Redman criteria.


RESULTS
We measured a significant correlation between pulsatility index in the cerebral transverse sinus and in the ductus venosus over the study period and at delivery. There was a negative correlation between these indices and short- and long-term variability of the fetal heart rate. There was a parallel increase in pulsatility in the ductus venosus and the transverse cerebral sinus. These changes were inversely correlated with fetal heart rate variability and preceded fetal distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Cerebral venous blood flow in IUGR fetuses may be a useful additional investigation to discriminate between fetal adaptation and fetal decompensation in chronic hypoxemia.
Senat
M V
MV
Fetal Medicine Unit, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.
Schwärzler
P
P
Alcais
A
A
Ville
Y
Y
D001011:Aorta / Q000196:embryology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D015148:Cardiotocography / Q000379:methods; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D004453:Echoencephalography; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014469:Umbilical Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000196:embryology