Umbilical artery blood flow velocity in pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the role of umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in the surveillance of pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 56 women with SLE whose pregnancies were managed at our perinatal center between 1988 and 1995.

RESULTS

Absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity was detected in 6 (11%) of 56 patients. This sub-group of patients had an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, cesarean section, and preterm delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

A high incidence (11%) of abnormal umbilical artery waveforms was detected. This finding was associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications.