The Application of Doppler Ultrasound in the Assessment of Fetal Weight.

Kim, Jong Ho; Choi, Suck Chul; Yang, Hoe Saeng; Sim, Jae Chul; Bae, Cheol Seong; Yoon, Hae Won; Kang, Min A

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 1999;42(3):544-548.
Published online January 1, 2001.

The Application of Doppler Ultrasound in the Assessment of Fetal Weight.

Jong Ho Kim, Suck Chul Choi, Hoe Saeng Yang, Jae Chul Sim, Cheol Seong Bae, Hae Won Yoon, Min A Kang

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the fetal doppler flow velocimetry and birth weight in low risk pregnancy population. METHODS: From December 1995 to May 1996, We prospectively performed doppler study in 254 uncomplicated, term pregnant women, who visited Pohang Hospital, Dongguk University. Using pulsed color doppler, we measured umbilical artery RI, middle cerebral artery RI and middle cerebral-umbilical artery RI ratio within one week before delivery. RESULTS: The result was that low birth weight group (below 2500gm) had very significant lationship with umbilical artery RI(P<0.01), middle cerebral artery RI(P<0.05) and middle cerebral-umbilical artery RI ratio(P<0.05), but there was no significant relationship in these blood flow indices between normal birth weight group (2501gm- 3999gm) and macrosomia group (above 4000gm). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that application of doppler ultrasonopaphy in the assessment of fetal weight is somewhat helpful for identification of low birth weight, not for macrosomia.

Key Words: Doppler, Fetal weight, Resistance index, umbilical artery, Middle cerebral artery