Doppler evaluation of the fetal pulmonary artery pressure

Abstract

Background The Doppler effect has allowed the characterization of several vessels in maternal-fetal circulation that have been used for practical purposes. Our review of the literature showed a paucity of information about fetal pulmonary artery pressure (FMPAP) and its behavior in regard to gestational age (GA). The objectives of the study were to evaluate a formula to calculate the main FMPAP and its correlation with GA. Methods A total of 337 fetuses without obvious pathology were studied prospectively using Doppler evaluation of the FMPAP. Using the fetal main pulmonary artery Doppler acceleration time (FMPAT), we obtained the FMPAP using the following formula: FMPAP=90 – (0.62×FMPAT). Regression analyses, Pearson’s bivariate correlation and paired sample t-test were used when appropriate. Results FMPAT increases while FMPAP decreases with GA. Pearson’s correlation coefficient for FMPAP and GA was −0.544 (P-value<0.001) and for FMPAT and GA was 0.556 (P-value<0.001). FMPAP and FMPAT were highly correlated (R=−0.972; P<0.001). Conclusion Pulmonary artery pressure in the fetus decreases with GA.

Relationship Between Peak Systolic Velocity in Pulmonary Artery Color Doppler and Neonatal Respiratory Outcomes in Fetal Growth Restriction With Abnormal Fetoplacental Circulation: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Also, a significant negative correlation between FMPAP and gestational age were obtained. Finally, they concluded that fetal pulmonary artery pressure decreases with increased gestational age (18). Our study provided significant results on the frequency of early hospitalization due to neonatal respiratory distress in FGR with placental insufficiency compared to non-FGR infants based on PSV of pulmonary artery Doppler.…”

Comparison of Fetal Main Pulmonary Artery Doppler Wave Forms between Normally Grown and Growth Restricted Fetuses: A Case-Control Study

“…The strongest correlation was found with AT/ ET (cutoff value: 0.305). They provided 76.4% sensitivity and 91.6% specificity for prediction [7] of postnatal RDS. The MPA-PI was significantly higher, whereas MPA-PSV was significantly lower in fetuses that developed RDS.…”

Effects of nifedipine on fetal pulmonary blood flow in preterm labor

“…Furthermore, AT and ET are time-based measurements, and especially AT was reported as the best variable correlates with pulmonary resistance. [16,17] That is why we chose these parameters to evaluate fetal pulmonary flow alterations. Antenatal steroid therapy improves fetal lung maturity in high-risk pregnant women for preterm delivery, but the actual mechanism is still not clear.…”