The role of venous Doppler studies in the monitoring of growth-restricted fetuses

Timing of the delivery of the severely growth-restricted fetus is one of the unresolved challenges in perinatal medicine. Venous Doppler studies are especially of value in case of early and severe growth restriction where, due to severe monitoring abnormalities, the clinician may consider delivering the fetus before 30 weeks. In the present overview the role of Doppler investigations and, in particular, of ductus venosus studies, in the management of the growth-restricted fetus are discussed.