Reference ranges for flow velocities and the indices of the ductus venosus in low-risk pregnancies
Open Access
- 1 December 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Galenos Yayinevi in Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association
- Vol. 22 (4), 300-311
- https://doi.org/10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2021.2020.0232
Abstract
Objective: Ductus venosus blood flow velocity measurements are mandatory in many clinical indications. The evaluation of the flow is performed either by comparing results with general reference tables or by qualitative assessment of the "a" flow, in regard to reversed or absent flow in the spectral waveforms. The aim was to develop normal reference ranges in low-risk pregnancies in our population. Material and Methods: Measurements of flow velocities (S, v, D, a) and indices (pulsatility index for veins, peak velocity index for veins, a/S, S/a) were performed by a single experienced specialist in 1279 singleton, uncomplicated pregnancies between 11 and 40 weeks gestation. The absolute flow velocities (S, v, D, a, VmPeak) and indices were obtained from spectral waveforms using the equipment producer's inbuilt system. The still images were stored in the picture archiving and communication system. Results: The predicted reference ranges of the ductus venosus blood flow velocities according to the gestational age are shown in tables and graphics. Predicted reference curves based on the 5th and 95th percentiles according to gestational week were plotted and are given in tables and figures. Conclusion: Normal reference ranges for absolute flow velocities and indices were calculated from a population of uncomplicated pregnancies attending a tertiary care center. The measurements were made from both the classic patterns of the waveforms and also considered variants of the spectral waveforms, which have recently been reported, for the first time in the medical literature.Keywords
This publication has 23 references indexed in Scilit:
- How to record ductus venosus blood velocity in the second half of pregnancyUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2013
- ISUOG Practice Guidelines: use of Doppler ultrasonography in obstetricsUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2013
- Added value of umbilical vein flow as a predictor of perinatal outcome in term small‐for‐gestational‐age fetusesUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2013
- Examination of the fetal cardiovascular systemSeminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, 2011
- The fetal venous system, Part I: normal embryology, anatomy, hemodynamics, ultrasound evaluation and Doppler investigationUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2010
- Settings and artefacts relevant in colour/power Doppler ultrasound in rheumatologyAnnals Of The Rheumatic Diseases, 2007
- The fetal circulationPrenatal Diagnosis, 2004
- The human ductus venosus between 13 and 17 weeks of gestation: histological and morphometric studiesUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2002
- The anatomy of the umbilical, portal and hepatic venous systems in the human fetus at 14–19 weeks of gestationUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2001
- Ductus venosus index: a method for evaluating right ventricular preload in the second‐trimester fetusUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 1993