Condition at birth of infants with previously absent or reverse umbilical artery end-diastolic flow velocities.

In a case control study we assessed 47 fetuses with absent or reverse end-diastolic flow velocities (AREDFV) of the umbilical artery with respect to the mode of delivery, fetal acidosis, and abnormal neurological evaluations at the time of discharge from the department of pediatrics. We also studied a control group which was matched for gestational age and had normal umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms. Fetuses with AREDFV were delivered almost exclusively by cesarean section which was usually done for fetal distress. The number of fetuses with abnormal neurological signs was significantly increased compared to the control group. Fetuses with AREDFV showed an increased incidence of fetal acidosis. Forty per cent of these fetuses were delivered within one day of the first abnormal flow measurement; Sixty per cent were observed clinically for up to four weeks before delivery.