Fetal arterial and venous Doppler pulsatility index and time averaged velocity ranges

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the fetal arterial and venous Doppler pulsatility index and time averaged velocity ranges for women undergoing third trimester ultrasound. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-two women with singleton pregnancy and clinical indication underwent biometry and fetal Doppler assessment at 23 to 41 weeks. Umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, thoracic aorta and ductus venosus pulsatility index and time averaged velocity measurements were performed and corrected statistically based on the distribution of estimated fetal weight at the time of the scan. RESULTS: The tables and figures of the several vessels published in this study are broadly comparable to other publications and unlike others, are adjusted for the estimated fetal weight distribution. CONCLUSIONS: We present the values of the commonly measured Doppler indices in fetuses with normal growth at the time of scan. The ranges, therefore, have potential utility in the setting where referrals to a fetal assessment unit are made.