Reversed end-diastolic flow in first-trimester umbilical artery: an ominous new sign for fetal outcome.

Borrell, A; Martinez, J M; Farre, M T; Azulay, M; Cararach, V; Fortuny, A · Am J Obstet Gynecol · 2001

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the fetal outcome of first-trimester pregnancies with reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery. Doppler studies in the umbilical artery were carried out in 2970 consecutive pregnancies scanned at 10 to 14 weeks. We observed 11 (0.4%) cases of reversed end-diastolic flow. Of these, an autosomal trisomy was shown in 7 and a congenital heart defect in 2 additional fetuses. Fetal demise was observed in 5 pregnancies, neonatal death was observed in 1, and termination of pregnancy was carried out in 4. Only 1 fetus survived. Reversed end-diastolic flow in first-trimester umbilical artery signals an ominous prognosis even with normal karyotype.

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