Abdominal Decompression

Abstract

The effects of abdominal decompression applied over a period of several weeks (mean 4 weeks) in late pregnancy on biochemical and haemodynamic parameters as well as on fetal growth and cardiotocogram patterns were studied in a group of 64 pregnant women with identified placental insufficiency. A statistically significant improvement was demonstrated in the following findings after treatment: placental perfusion measurements ,^113mIn and unconjugated oestriol and human placental lactogen, both in serum. A positive influence on antepartum cardiotocogram was observed only immediately after therapy. An acceleration of fetal growth (biparietal diameter) could not be demonstrated. Frequency and severity of EPH gestosis did not change after abdominal decompression. Abdominal decompression seems to be a valuable aid in the still unsatisfactory treatment of placental insufficiency.