DUCTUS VENOSUS DOPPLER VELOCIMETRY IN HIG H-RISK PREGNANCIES OF 23 TO26 WEEKS GESTATION

Ductus venosus blood flow was assessed in 3 high-risk pregnancies, whi ch were terminated at 23 to 26 weeks' gestation because of HELLP-syndr ome (2) and terminal fetal heart rate pattern (1). The fetuses were ex tremly growth-retarded and showed diastolic reverse flow in the umbili cal artery. In all cases the ductus venosus flow pattern was abnormal and finally showed loss of blood now during atrial contraction. This f inding suggests that the fetal central venous pressure is pathological ly increased and may be interpreted as a sign of threatening cardiovas cular decompensation.