Abstracts » Health

Changes in umbilical venous velocities with physiologic perturbations

Article Abstract:

Changes in blood flow in the umbilical vein probably originate in the fetus rather than the placenta. Researchers used Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow velocity in 21 fetuses and found that pulsations in blood flow occurred sooner closest to the fetus and later further toward the placenta.

Research, Blood flow, Measurement, Blood flow measurement, Fetal blood

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Fetal pericardial effusion

Article Abstract:

Through ultrasound (use of high frequency sound to visualize internal structures), 44 fetuses were found to have pericardial effusion. The most common cause of fetal pericardial effusion (the escape of fluid from blood vessels into the cavity around the heart) is fetal heart failure. Kidney abnormalities were the second most common cause. Other abnormalities usually associated with fetal heart failure should be examined. Pericardial effusions can be transient or potentially fatal. The origin of this condition in fetuses is different than in adults; however, the role of infection in fetal pericardial effusion is still unclear and should be investigated.

Abnormalities, Diagnosis, Kidneys, Kidney, Ultrasonics in medicine, Medical ultrasonics, Pericardial effusion, Pericardium

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Significance of oligohydramnios complicating pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Oligohydramnios is a condition that occurs when there is a deficiency of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the developing fetus). It can be diagnosed using ultrasound. Severe oligohydramnios during the second trimester of pregnancy is a predictor of poor perinatal outcome. This condition is associated with birth defects, growth retardation, and fetal death. The medical records of 80 pregnant women with oligohydramnios were reviewed to identify the causes of oligohydramnios and its effect on the outcome of the pregnancies. Premature rupture of the membranes was the most common complication of oligohydramnios, occurring in 40 patients, and resulting in death in 15 cases. Growth retardation was the second most common cause, occurring in 14 cases and causing death in 12 cases. Fetal kidney disorders and premature separation of the placenta were responsible for nine and six cases, respectively. All of the fetuses with severe kidney defects and all of those with premature separation of the placenta died. When oligohydramnios occurs in twin pregnancies the outcome usually is poor. In this study there were three cases of twin pregnancies with oligohydramnios and all of the fetuses were stillborn. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Oligohydramnios, Fetal death

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