Abstract:

To establish reference ranges of ductus venosus (DV) in healthy singleton pregnant women with known prognosis. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on low-risk singleton pregnancies between 17 and 36 weeks of gestation between March 2018 and March 2019. Fetuses with postpartum Apgar score ≥7 and birthweight ≥2500 grams were included in the study. Pregnancies in which the fetus had structural or chromosomal abnormalities, multiple gestations and those complicated with intrauterine growth restriction, fetal macrosomy, preeclampsia and diabetes were not included. DV absolute blood flow velocities (S-wave, D-wave, a-wave) and Doppler indices that were derived from those velocities (preload index (PLI), pulsatility index for veins (PIV), peak velocity index for veins (PVIV), S/a ratio, average velocity (Vmean) and time-averaged maximum velocity (TAmax)) were recorded. Poor quality images were also excluded. A total of 722 fetuses were evaluated for DV absolute blood flow velocities and Doppler indices. When the relationship between gestational age and DV Doppler parameters was examined, S-wave, D-wave, a-wave, Vmean, TAmax were found to be statistically significant positive correlations, while PLI, PVIV, PIV and S/a ratio were found to be negatively correlated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Reference values for DV Doppler indices between 17 and 36 weeks of gestation in a Turkish population were established. These reference ranges are of importance in terms of a non-invasive method for the evaluation of fetal heart function.

Keywords: