Fetal heart rate and umbilical artery velocity variability in fetuses with congenital cardiac defects: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objective To examine whether variabilities in fetal heart rate and umbilical artery flow velocity are possible markers for hemodynamic dysfunction in fetuses with a congenital heart defect. Results Fetuses with a congenital heart defect displayed decreased umbilical artery peak systolic and time-averaged velocities. However, variability in peak systolic and timeaveraged velocities and fetal heart rate variability were increased compared with normal controls. Absolute fetal heart rates were similar between the two groups. MethodsConclusions Marked cardiovascular changes occur in the fetus with a congenital heart defect compared with the normal healthy fetus. We propose that variability in fetal heart rate and umbilical artery blood flow velocity could be additional markers for impaired homeostasis in the presence of fetal congenital heart disease.

Fetal heart rate and blood flow velocity variability in the presence of increased nuchal translucency: a preliminary study

“…Concerning the pathophysiology of increased NT, possible explanations for the accumulation of fluid in the fetal head and neck include fetal cardiac failure2. Earlier11, we proposed that fetal heart rate variability and umbilical artery blood flow velocity variability are markers for impaired cardiovascular homeostasis in fetuses with structural heart defects. Abnormal cardiac morphology in combination with a disturbance in the atrioventricular conducting system could account for the increase in heart rate variability observed in the present study.…”