Doppler Evaluation of the Fetal Pulmonary Artery Pressure

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of fetal pulmonary artery pressure (FMPAP) is important for assessing fetal cardiovascular function. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 60 pregnant women between 22 and 40 weeks of gestation. Pulmonary Doppler examinations were performed at two time points during the second and third trimesters. Various Doppler variables, including the systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and At/Et ratio, were measured. Results: The mean values of the Doppler variables were determined. Significant differences were observed between the two examination time points, with higher values during the second visit. Negative correlations were found between these variables and both gestational age and fetal weight. Additionally, positive correlations were identified between the Doppler variables and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Furthermore, the Doppler variables were significant predictors of both gestational age and fetal weight. Conclusions: Doppler velocimetry has been shown to be useful for detecting not just fetal pulmonary maturity, but also the FMPAP, and we expect that future research will demonstrate that estimations of the MFPAP may be able to predict whether or not the newborn will develop pulmonary hypertension.