Suboptimal neurodevelopment in very preterm infants is related to fetal cardiovascular compromise in placental insufficiency

Tuula Kaukola, Juha Räsänen, Riitta Herva, Dhavalkumar D. Patel, Mikko Hallman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between fetal cardiovascular hemodynamics and neurodevelopmental outcome in infants born before 32 gestational weeks with placental insufficiency. Study design: Seventeen fetuses that underwent Doppler ultrasonography within 24 hours before delivery were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Placental histology was examined. Multiple inflammatory markers and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor were analyzed from umbilical cord serum. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed by Griffiths scales at 1 year of corrected age. Results: Infants with suboptimal outcome (n = 7) had higher umbilical artery, ductus venosus, and inferior vena cava pulsatility index values (P < .05) and lower weight-indexed cardiac outputs (P < .05) than infants with normal outcome (n = 10). Placental histology and serum revealed no inflammation. VEGF values were similar among all infants. Conclusion: In placental insufficiency with delivery before 32 gestational weeks, suboptimal neurodevelopment was related to decreased fetal weight-indexed cardiac output and increased systemic venous pressure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)414-420
Number of pages7
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume193
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2005

Keywords

  • Doppler ultrasonography
  • Fetal hemodynamics
  • Placental insufficiency
  • Prognosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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