Umbilical artery blood flows among pregnancies with single umbilical artery: a prospective case-control study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the umbilical artery (UA) among patients with single umbilical artery (SUA) as compared with patients with three vessel cords.

Methods: A prospective case-control study was performed. UA blood flow velocimetry was obtained from fetuses with SUA and from a control group with three vessel cord. PSV and pulsatility index (PI) were measured. Patients’ characteristics were compared for statistical differences and a linear regression model was constructed for the different groups.

Results: UA Doppler velocimetry measurements were obtained from 29 patients with SUA and from 29 controls matched for gestational age. The differences between UA PI with and without SUA were significant (F = 3.471; p = 0.0379) showing a lower PI in the SUA group. However, no significant statistical difference was found in PSV between these two groups (F = 0.149; p = 0.86).

Conclusions: While the impedance in the UA of patients with a SUA was lower compared with patients with a normal umbilical cord, the PSV did not differ.

• Doppler flow velocimetry
• peak systolic velocity
• pulsatility index
• single umbilical artery

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.