The prevalence of abnormal Doppler's of the umbilical artery in a low-risk pregnant population in South Africa

摘要: Abstract Background The assessment of fetal blood flow using Doppler waveform can be used to identify placental insufficiency, and hence is a tool fetuses at risk stillbirth due growth restriction (FGR). In South Africa the largest category perinatal deaths ‘unexplained intrauterine death’. majority mothers are clinically healthy women. This study was performed determine prevalence abnormal umbilical resistance indices (abnormal RI) see if screening low-risk pregnant population worthwhile. Methods A descriptive across 9 sites in 8 provinces RI artery women classified as having pregnancy. conducted from 1st September 2017- February 2020.The were screened continuous wave ultrasound apparatus (Umbiflow™) between 28 34 weeks’ gestation. Women with an referred high-risk clinic managed according standard protocol. outcomes all deliveries recorded. Findings Umbiflow™ 7088 nine sites; 919 (13·0%) had RI. Absent end diastolic (AEDF) found 87 (1·2%) fetuses. small for gestational ages (SGA) babies 23·1% normal group significantly higher 32·1% (p Interpretation AEDF this about ten times than that previously recorded high income countries. Continuous detected undiagnosed restricted babies. warrants Africa. Funding funded by African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Scientific Industrial (CSIR)