Ductus venosus blood velocity in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Citation
D. Fugelseth et al., Ductus venosus blood velocity in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, ARCH DIS CH, 81(1), 1999, pp. F35-F39
Citations number
23
Categorie Soggetti
Pediatrics,"Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
ISSN journal
00039888 → ACNP
Volume
81
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
F35 - F39
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-9888(199907)81:1<F35:DVBVIP>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
Aims-To investigate the ductus venosus flow velocity (DVFV) in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN); to evaluate the D VFV pattern as a possible diagnostic supplement in neonates with PPHN and o ther conditions with increased right atrial pressure. Methods-DVFV was studied in 16 neonates with PPHN on days 1-4 of postnatal life using Doppler echocardiography. DVFV was compared with that in mechani cally ventilated neonates with increased intrathoracic pressure, but withou t signs of PPHN (n=11); with neonates with congenital heart defects resulti ng in right atrial pressure (n=6); and with preterm neonates without PPHN ( n=46); and healthy term neonates (n=50). Results-Infants with PPHN and congenital heart defects with increased right atrial pressure were regularly associated with an increased pulsatile patt ern and a reversed flow velocity in ductus venosus during atrial contractio n. A few short instances of reversed velocity were also noted in normal neo nates before the circulation had settled during the first day after birth. Conclusions-A reversed velocity in the ductus venosus during atrial contrac tion at this time signifies that central venous pressure exceeds portal pre ssure. This negative velocity deflection is easily recognised during Dopple r examination and can be recommended for diagnosing increased right atrial pressure and PPHN.