UMBILICAL ARTERY BLOOD-FLOW VELOCITY IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Purpose. We evaluated the role of umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in the surveillance of pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus eryt hematosus (SLE).Methods. We retrospectively studied 56 women with SLE whose pregnancies were managed at our perinatal center between 1988 an d 1995. Results. Absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity was de tected in 6 (11%) of 56 patients. This subgroup of patients had an inc reased risk of preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, cesarean section, and preterm delivery. Conclusions. A high incidence (11%) of abnormal umbilical artery waveforms was detected. This finding was as sociated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. ( C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.