Prediction of neonatal acidosis by ductus venosus Doppler pattern in high risk pregnancies *

Study objectiveEvaluate whether ductus venosus (DV) Doppler velocimetry might be a good diagnostic tool of neonatal acidosis than umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood velocities.DesignProspective observational study.SettingHigh risk pregnancy unit of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital.PatientsThirty high-risk pregnant patients in their third trimester.MethodRecording of DV, UA and MCA blood velocity in complicated pregnancies referred to umbilical artery (UA) velocimetry as one aspect of fetal surveillance.Measurements and main resultsDV S/D ratio was not reliable to predict hypoxia (AUC 66%), PI was weak (73%), but RI was reliable to predict hypoxia (AUC 88%). On comparing the diagnostic ability of DV RI and MCA S/D, DV RI showed a diagnostic ability than MCA S/D, AUC 88% and 82% respectively.ConclusionAbnormal DV blood velocity is more frequently recorded in high-risk pregnancies than UA, MCA blood velocities. Ductus venosus resistance index (DV RI) appears to be a better predictor of perinatal outcome than MCA S/D.