Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 11, Issue 1 1-6, Copyright © 1992 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
The efficacy of Doppler umbilical artery velocimetry in identifying fetal acidosis. A comparison with fetal biophysical profile
B. H. Yoon, H. C. Syn and S. W. Kim
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Korea.
In 105 singleton pregnancies in which cesarean section was performed before
the onset of labor, the efficacy of Doppler umbilical velocimetry in
identifying fetal acidosis was determined and compared with fetal
biophysical profile. Doppler velocimetry showed a significant correlation
with the umbilical artery pH and was also a sensitive indicator of fetal
acidosis, comparable to the biophysical profile score. Patients were
classified into four groups. Groups with abnormal Doppler results showed a
significantly higher prevalence of fetal acidosis, and all the fetuses with
abnormal Doppler results were either in acidosis or in a growth-retarded
state. Our data lend further support to the clinical validity of Doppler
umbilical velocimetry in identifying fetal acidosis or compromise.
