View article

Objective

To assess the relationship of umbilical artery Doppler (UAD) S/D ratio measurement discordance to persistence of abnormal results in fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Study Design

Singleton gestations with fetal growth restriction (FGR), defined as an estimated fetal weight less than the tenth percentile, were prospectively observed at a tertiary referral center from 2012-2014. Fetuses with FGR were evaluated with weekly umbilical artery Doppler evaluation of the individual umbilical arteries. S/D ratios were identified as normal (per gestational age nomograms) or abnormal (elevated, absent, or reversed end-diastolic flow). UAD results were assessed for discordance, defined as a discrepancy in the results between each artery. Management was per departmental guidelines and was based on the most abnormal measurement.

Results

Abnormal UAD flow was seen in 48 fetuses over 141 visits …