Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 48, Issue 3 , Pages 225-231, September 2009

The Effects of Absent or Reversed End-diastolic Umbilical Artery Doppler Flow Velocity

  • Kuo-Gon Wang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Chen-Yu Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr Chen-Yu Chen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 92, Section 2, Chung-Shan North Road, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Yi-Yung Chen

      Affiliations

    • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

Accepted 4 December 2008.

Article Outline

Summary 

Abnormal umbilical artery flow with absent or reversed end-diastolic velocity (AREDV) during pregnancy is a strong indication of placental insufficiency. When AREDV occurs prenatally, a close follow-up or expeditious delivery should be contemplated. AREDV in the umbilical artery is associated with intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and perinatal mortality. It may be associated with respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Available data suggest that women with high-risk pregnancies, such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction, should be evaluated with umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry to reduce the possibility of perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Key Words:  absent or reversed end-diastolic velocity , fetal growth retardation , perinatal mortality , placental insufficiency , preeclampsia , pregnancy complications

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PII: S1028-4559(09)60294-1

doi:10.1016/S1028-4559(09)60294-1

Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume 48, Issue 3 , Pages 225-231, September 2009

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