Abstract:
ABSTRACT. Aim: To compare the outcome of infants born at a different
gestational ages with absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery and those with
gestational matched healthy controls.
Methods: A group of 55 pregnancies and later on infants at Monash Medical
Centre had AEDF investigated with a matched group of 55 for gestational age, date
of birth and sex. Pre and perinatal outcome variables were retrospectively reviewed.
The variables included daily surveillance of fetal wellbeing by biophysical profile.
Results: Of 110 preterm infants, gestational age 24-34 weeks and birth weight
460-1500g 49/55 (89%) in AEDF group survived until discharge compared to 54/55
(99%) in the control group (P < 0.05). The infants in former group had a significantly
lower birth weight with growth restriction, delivered by caesarean section, had
intraventricular hemorrhage, stayed longer in hospital, required a longer duration of
ventilation and easily developed chronic lung disease (p<0.05)
Conclusion: This study reiterates that absent end-diastolic flow velocity is
associated with a longer duration of hospital stay, higher mortality and morbidity
during the neonatal period. Prenatal routine check to ascertain normalcy of umbilical
blood flow should be promoted to inform planning within Health systems.
Description:
ABSTRACT. Aim: To compare the outcome of infants born at a different
gestational ages with absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery and those with
gestational matched healthy controls.
Methods: A group of 55 pregnancies and later on infants at Monash Medical
Centre had AEDF investigated with a matched group of 55 for gestational age, date
of birth and sex. Pre and perinatal outcome variables were retrospectively reviewed.
The variables included daily surveillance of fetal wellbeing by biophysical profile.
Results: Of 110 preterm infants, gestational age 24-34 weeks and birth weight
460-1500g 49/55 (89%) in AEDF group survived until discharge compared to 54/55
(99%) in the control group (P < 0.05). The infants in former group had a significantly
lower birth weight with growth restriction, delivered by caesarean section, had
intraventricular hemorrhage, stayed longer in hospital, required a longer duration of
ventilation and easily developed chronic lung disease (p<0.05)
Conclusion: This study reiterates that absent end-diastolic flow velocity is
associated with a longer duration of hospital stay, higher mortality and morbidity
during the neonatal period. Prenatal routine check to ascertain normalcy of umbilical
blood flow should be promoted to inform planning within Health systems.
