Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in the prediction of intrapartum fetal compromise
Date
1992
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
The value of early intrapartum umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in the prediction of fetal compromise was studied. One hundred patients were recruited into the study and fetal compromise was diagnosed by abnormal first- or second-stage fetal heart rate traces, a 5-minute Apgar score less than 7, or the development of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Fetal compromise developed in 30 patients. An umbilical artery resistance index (RI) of 0,66 or less did not predict fetal compromise (sensitivity 13%, specificity 89%, positive predictive value 25%, negative predictive value 70%). Since the mean umbilical artery RI was identical in the compromised and the noncompromised groups, we conclude that early intrapartum Doppler velocimetry is of very little clinical value in predicting fetal compromise at term.
Description
CITATION: Howarth, G. R. et al. 1992. Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in the prediction of intrapartum fetal compromise. South African Medical Journal, 81:248-250.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Laser Doppler velocimeter, Fetal blood