The role of individual blood flow parameters through ductus venosus in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy in predicting the condition of the fetus and newborn

Abstract

Objectives: To predict fetal and neonatal outcome during pregnancy based on detailed analysis of ductus venosus blood flow velocities in first and second-trimester fetuses. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was made in 680 patients with single pregnancies in years 2015 and 2016. The following ductus venosus blood flow velocities in first and second-trimester were analyzed: S-wave velocity, D-wave velocity, a-wave velocity, Tmax velocity, PIV. Results were divided into sub-groups with reduced value, normal value and increased value and compared with fetal and neonatal condition. Results: The relationship between the increased PIV value in the first trimester of pregnancy and an increased risk of chromosomal aberrations was observed, whereas the increased DV PI value in the second trimester of pregnancy with reduced A -wave were associated with a higher incidence of FGR. No correlation between the remaining DV blood flow velocities in the first and second trimester of pregnancy and the more frequent occurrence of fetal and neonatal complications has been confirmed. Conclusions: The increased DV PIV is a good prognostic tool for the detection of chromosomal aberrations in first trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, the increased DV PIV and the reduced A-wave velocity correlate with the fetal growth restriction. Ductus venosus seems to be an indirect indicator of intrauterine hypoxia with moderate prognostic value for adverse obstetric outcomes.