[Effect of heparin on umbilical blood flow in patients with fetal growth retardation].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of heparin on umbilical blood flow in pregnant women with fetal growth retardation (FGR).


METHODS
A total of 103 FGR women were randomized into control group (n=37), standard heparin group (n=35) and low-molecular-weight heparin group (n=31). Low-molecular-weight dextran was given in the control group, and the other two groups received agents for intervention as indicated. The umbilical blood flow, 1-minute Apgar score, body weight and gestational age of the neonates were measured and compared between the 3 groups.


RESULTS
As the gestational age increases, the systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were significantly lowered in the two heparin groups in comparison with those in the control group (P<0.05). One-minute Apgar score and body weight of the neonates were significantly greater in the two heparin groups (P<0.05), and the gestational age was also significantly longer (P<0.05). No statistical differences in the indices measured were noted between the two heparin groups (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Heparin, which is safe for both the mothers and their fetuses, might improve fetal growth and development, increase neonate body weight, prolong the gestational age and raise the one-minute Apgar score.
Yu
Yan-hong
YH
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. youthkitty@yahoo.com
Shen
Li-yong
LY
Wang
Zhi-jian
ZJ
Zhang
Yu
Y
Su
Gui-dong
GD
D001724:Birth Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000503:physiopathology*
D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin