The blood flow velocicy waveforms of fetal descending thoracic aorta were measured in 33 pregnancies which were complicated with pregnancy-induced hypertension. They were divided into two groups. Group I was composed of women showing a loss of
end-diastolic flow. Group II was composed of the remainders. Gestational age at delivery was significantly delayed in Group II than in group I (30.4 wks vs. 38.3 wks, p<0.00001). The l-minute and 5-minute Apgar score of 6 or worse were given more
to
Grou I than to Group II (6/7 vs 3/20, p<0.003 in a 1-minute Apgar Score, 5/7 vs. 0/20, P<0.001in a 5-minute Apgar score). Group I showed significantly increased perinatal mortality compared to Group II(10/13 vs, 0/20, p<0.0001). After controlling
gestational age at delivery, the effects of a loss of end-diastolic velocity on perinatal survival persisted. A loss of end-diastolic velocity in descending thoracic aorta is an ominous sign of fetal compromise which culminates in fetal death, if
untreated. In conclusion, we think that one should seriously consider the termination of pregnancy when confronting the pregnant women showing a loss of end-diastolic velocity in fetal descending thoracic aorta.
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