Normal umbilical artery doppler values in 18–22 week old fetuses with single umbilical artery

Abstract

Umbilical cord with a single umbilical artery (SUA) can carry twice the blood volume of a three-vessel cord (TVC). So, the normal hemodynamics of the fetuses with SUA was different from those with TVC. Furthermore, structural abnormalities, fetal aneuploidy, and intrinsic growth retardation may be associated with the presence of a SUA. In order to evaluate these patients, intermittent doppler measurements have been suggested. From this point, we aimed to determine the CDUS flow parameters in SUA cases and to demonstrate that these flow parameters are different from the TVC parameters. Ultrasound (US) examinations were performed in the 18–22 weeks of gestation during routine fetal anatomy screening. Resistance index (RI), Pulsatility index (PI), and S/D: systole to diastole ratio values were measured. The samples were taken from the proximal, mid-portion, and distal of the umbilical cord. In addition to Doppler Ultrasound values, AC and estimated fetal weight (EFW) values were also recorded. The study included 167 pregnant women, 86 of whom were study group with SUA and 81 were control group with TVC. The measurements of RI, PI, and S/D at all three levels were significantly lower in the SUA group compared to the TVC group. The resistance in the UA of fetuses with SUA is lower than in fetuses with TVC. The resistance in the UA of fetuses with SUA decreases from the fetal end to the placental end. Knowing the normal values for fetuses with SUA might provide a better and more reliable Doppler Ultrasoundassessment.