ABNORMAL UMBILICAL ARTERY FLOW VELOCITY WAVE-FORM - A SIGN OF FETAL NARCOTIC WITHDRAWAL

We present a case of a heroin addict in whom Doppler flow study on the umbilical artery showed absent end diastolic flow at 29 weeks' gestat ion by ultrasound. Following methadone administration, the mother's wi thdrawal symptoms were controlled, the fetal diastolic flow returned, and there was a normal systolic/diastolic ratio. Delivery at 32 weeks' gestation by ultrasound resulted in a surviving infant who required t reatment with phenobarbitone and morphine after birth to control withd rawal symptoms.