[Doppler assessment of the fetal asphyxia in pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation].

OBJECTIVES

Gestational hypertension is associated with a high morbidity for both mother and fetus. Doppler ultrasound has allowed the fetal circulation to be examined. Now it is possible to monitor the response of the fetal circulation to hypoxia.

DESIGN

The aim of this study was to determine flow patterns in fetal circulation from pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The investigation included 23 fetuses with signs of the gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction. We evaluated cerebral-placental ratio (CPR) and pulsation index (PI) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the umbilical artery (UA). We also evaluated flows in umbilical vein.

RESULTS

We observed abnormal flow pattern in all cases of analyzing fetuses. The most common abnormal flow was vein pulsation (48%).

CONCLUSIONS

All analyzing fetuses shown signs of the hypoxia. Present of the umbilical vein pulsation or decompensate of the brain sparing effect is closely related o increased perinatal mortality.