Blood flow velocity waveforms of the fetal middle cerebral artery in a normal population: reference values from 18 weeks to 42 weeks of gestation
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F. Bahlmann
Abstract
The aim of this prospective cross-sectional study was to establish new Doppler reference curves for peak blood flow velocities (Vmax, Vmean, Vmin) and impedance indices (PI, RI) of the middle cerebral artery at 18–42 weeks of gestation by an automatic wave form analysis integrated into the ultrasound device. In 962 low-risk pregnancies, blood flow velocities were derived from the middle cerebral artery with pulsed color Doppler ultrasonography. Reference curves were constructed for the individual parameters based on a growth function from a fourparameter class of monotonic continuous functions according to the smallest square principle for maximum blood flow velocities, as well as on a polynomial function for resistance indices. Further assessed was intra-observer reliability. The results obtained for maximum blood flow velocities demonstrate a continuous increase (Vmax = 26.8 cm/s to 59.1 cm/s, Vmean = 11.2 cm/s to 29.7 cm/s and Vmin = 4.9 to 15.8 cm/s) over the period from 18 to 42 weeks of gestation. In contrast, reference curves for the pulsatility and the resistance index are characterized by a parabolic pattern (18 weeks: 1.5; 28 weeks: 1.9; 42 weeks: 1.1 and 18 weeks: 0.68; 28 weeks 0.8; 42 weeks: 0.61). Intraobserver reliability for PI, RI, Vmax, Vmean, and Vmax were 87%, 83%, 80%, 83% and 93%, respectively. At constant measurement conditions, the reference ranges for blood flow velocities and impedance indices in the middle cerebral artery established by this study were found to be a useful non-invasive tool in risk assessment for fetal anemia, as well as in the Doppler ultrasound observation of the course in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction.
Copyright © 2002 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG
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- Blood flow velocity waveforms of the fetal middle cerebral artery in a normal population: reference values from 18 weeks to 42 weeks of gestation
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- Growth discordance and the effect of a male twin on birth weight of its female co-twin: a population-based study
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- A rare presentation of Pompe disease with massive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at birth
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- Congress Calendar
Articles in the same Issue
- Author Index
- Subject Index
- Contents
- Preterm premature rupture of the membranes and antioxidants: the free radical connection
- Vaginal lactobacilli and preterm birth
- Socioeconomic and environmental risk factors of bacterial vaginosis in early pregnancy
- Evaluation of creatine kinase level during long-term tocolysis
- Maternal serum glycodelin in premature rupture of membranes
- Clinical and biophysical aspects of HELLP-syndrome
- Blood flow velocity waveforms of the fetal middle cerebral artery in a normal population: reference values from 18 weeks to 42 weeks of gestation
- Cerebral hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation measured by intensity modulated optical spectroscopy in the human fetus during labor
- Growth discordance and the effect of a male twin on birth weight of its female co-twin: a population-based study
- Rhabdomyolysis during prolonged intravenous tocolytic therapy
- A rare presentation of Pompe disease with massive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at birth
- Complete spontaneous resolution of severe nonimmunological hydrops fetalis with unknown etiology in the second trimester – a case report
- Epiphyseal separation of the distal humerus
- Congress Calendar
