VENOUS DOPPLER IN NONIMMUNE HYDROPS-FETAL IS

Fifteen fetuses with nonimmune hydrops underwent venous Doppler examin ations of inferior vena caval flow. The results were analysed retrospe ctively. Increased retrograde inferior vena caval flow was defined as pathological (>15% as anterograde flow). This finding correlates with reduced fetal cardiac output. Nine of fifteen fetuses had increased re trograde flow of inferior vena cava. In comparison to the group with p hysiologic Doppler parameters the perinatal mortality was significantl y higher (p < 0.027) in the group with increased retrograde flow of th e inferior vena cava. This and other results as well as the rate of re mission underline the value of venous Doppler in predicting fetal outc ome.