Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 6, Issue 6 291-297, Copyright © 1987 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Significance of an absent or reversed end diastolic flow in Doppler umbilical artery waveforms
J. S. Woo, S. T. Liang and R. L. Lo
The outcome of nine fetuses in whom Doppler umbilical arterial
velocity-time waveforms showed absence or reversal of flow in end diastole
was presented. Eight of the nine resulted in either intrauterine or
neonatal death. Progressive deleterious changes in the waveforms were
evident in three fetuses who had serial evaluation. The remaining infant
survived when delivery was expected 2 days later. Our data have indicated
that the demonstration of an absent or reversed flow in end diastole in the
umbilical arteries carries with it a very specific indication of serious
fetal compromise and the need for immediate delivery, although the
prognosis of a normal neonatal survival remains guarded.
