title: [Effect of heparin on umbilical blood flow in patients with fetal growth retardation].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. youthkitty@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Yan-hong
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Li-yong
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Zhi-jian
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Gui-dong
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Su
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006493:Heparin