Comparison of low- and high-altitude Doppler velocimetry in the peripheral and central circulations of normal fetuses.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to test the hypothesis that Doppler velocimetry of the peripheral and central circulations in normal fetuses is not affected by moderately high altitude (Denver, Colo-1609 m) compared with sea level (Milan, Italy-40 m).


METHODS
One hundred nineteen patients with singleton pregnancies underwent Doppler waveform analysis of the following: umbilical artery, uterine artery, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and the tricuspid and mitral valves.


RESULTS
Birth weights were reduced at Denver's altitude (P<.001). The early/late diastolic inflow ratios of the atrioventricular valves increased with gestational age (P<.01), whereas systolic/diastolic ratios of the uterine and umbilical arteries decreased with gestational age (P<.01). There were no Doppler velocimetry differences in any vessel between Denver's and Milan's altitudes.


CONCLUSIONS
Gestational age has the same effect on Doppler index at both high and low altitudes. Moderately high altitude does not affect uteroplacental or fetal vascular Doppler index and may reflect normal acclimatization in the smaller Denver fetuses.
Galan
H L
HL
Division of Perinatal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Rigano
S
S
Chyu
J
J
Beaty
B
B
Bozzo
M
M
Hobbins
J C
JC
Ferrazzi
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D001724:Birth Weight; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology*; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000098:blood supply