GASTROINTESTINAL AND RENAL BLOOD-FLOW VELOCITY PROFILE IN NEONATES WITH BIRTH ASPHYXIA

Pulsed Doppler ultrasound blood flow profiles were studied, before the initiation of enteral feedings, in 23 neonates with birth asphyxia. W e observed a significant direct correlation between the reduction of p eak velocity and increased resistance in the renal and superior mesent eric arteries to the severity of asphyxia (r = 0.8; p < 0.05); the cha nges often persisted up to 3 days of age. Longitudinal evaluation of f low in these vessels might help to time the initiation of enteral nutr ition in neonates with asphyxia.