Fetal Doppler ultrasound assessment of ductus venosus in a 31-40 [corrected] weeks gestation normal fetus in the Pakistani population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ductus venosus hemodynamic parameters in 31-40 weeks gestation normal fetus in the Pakistani population using Doppler ultrasonography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a standardized protocol 106 pregnant women (31 to 40 gestation weeks) were scanned. The peak systolic velocity (maximum velocity during S wave) (PSV), peak velocity index (peak velocity S wave minus peak velocity A wave/peak velocity D wave) (PVI), and S/A ratio (peak velocity S wave/peak velocity A wave) were measured.

RESULTS: Out of 106 patients, 100 patients were successfully scanned (94% success rate). In the 31-35 weeks gestational age group the mean PSV was 59.7 cm/s, PI 0.7, and S/A 2.16. In the 36-40 weeks gestational age group the mean PSV was 72.9 cm/s, PI 0.42, and S/A 2.46.

CONCLUSIONS: As the normal pregnancy advances the PSV, the flow resistance and S/A ratio in ductus venosus increase.