W. Hutter et al., POLYNOMIAL ANALYSIS OF PLACENTAL FLOW PATTERNS IN GROWTH-RETARDED FETUSES, Gynecologic and obstetric investigation, 35(3), 1993, pp. 155-161
Correct interpretation of conspicuous blood flow velocity waveforms ca
nnot rely solely on the evaluation of uteroplacental vascular Doppler
flow patterns by means of angle-independent indices such as the resist
ance or pulsatility index. In addition to the degree of pulsatility, t
he waveform shape between the systolic and diastolic peak values is of
considerable consequence. A subdivision of the total flow waveform in
to orthogonal polynomial components allows both pulsatility evaluation
and notching to be registered, providing a higher sensitivity in iden
tification of pathological vascular resistance. Accurate recording and
assessment of the flow waveform is therefore an important qualitative
criterion for the classification of Doppler flow patterns in pregnanc
ies with reduced uteroplacental perfusion.