MEDICAL EBOOK DOWNLOAD, American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology AUGUST 2009, Uterine artery Doppler flow studies in obstetric practice

MEDICAL EBOOK DOWNLOAD 


American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology AUGUST 2009

Uterine artery Doppler flow studies in obstetric practice

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Uterine_artery_Doppler_flow_studies_in_obstetric_practice.pdf

The advent of sonography has changed the practice of obstetrics by providing a window
to the womb through which the anatomic structure of the fetus can be evaluated. The
addition of Doppler flow studies of maternal and fetal vessels has provided a tool where
the physiology of the maternal-fetal unit can be assessed. This information can provide
the physician and the patient with vital information for a subsequent approach to the
pregnancy. The use of fetal Doppler blood flow studies has become common in the
evaluation and management of pregnancies complicated by conditions such as suspected
fetal growth restriction and red blood cell isoimmunization to guide intrauterine therapy
and delivery. The most commonly assessed Doppler flow studies of the fetus are the
umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Doppler flow studies of the MCA are
used in the assessment of the fetus at risk for anemia and growth-restricted fetus. Doppler
flow studies of the umbilical artery can reflect abnormalities in “down-stream” or the fetal
side of placental resistance, and the assessment of the maternal vasculature evaluates
“up-stream” blood flow or the maternal side of placental resistance. The purpose of this
review is to describe the clinical utility of uterine artery Doppler flow studies in the
prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in low and high risk populations.
Key words: Doppler, fetal growth restriction, middle cerebral artery, pregnancy