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Kiserud T. Diabetes mellitus impact on fetal liver circulation, and new diagnostic options. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
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Yagel S, Cohen SM, Valsky DV. Simplifying imaging of the abdominal fetal precordial venous system. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2019; 53:571-575. [PMID: 29573303 DOI: 10.1002/uog.19053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Yagel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - S M Cohen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D V Valsky
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
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Musilova I, Spacek R, Stranik J, Jacobsson B, Kacerovsky M. Fetal Portal System Flowmetry and Intra-Amniotic Inflammation in Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes. Fetal Diagn Ther 2019; 46:323-332. [PMID: 30889602 DOI: 10.1159/000496203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the pulsatility index (PI) in the fetal splenic vein, the main portal vein, the left portal vein, and the ductus venosus with respect to the presence or absence of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHOD Women with singleton pregnancies and PPROM, ranging in gestational age from 22+0 to 36+6 weeks, were included. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis and the amniotic fluid level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was assessed by a point-of-care test. Doppler examination of the selected veins was performed, and the PI was assessed. IAI was defined as amniotic fluid levels of IL-6 ≥745 pg/mL. RESULTS In total, 42 women were included. Fetuses with IAI compared with those without IAI exhibited a higher PI in the splenic vein (p = 0.005) and the main portal vein (p = 0.05). No differences were observed in the left portal vein PI (p = 0.36) and the ductus venosus PI (p = 0.98). CONCLUSION IAI was associated with increased fetal splenic vein PI and main portal vein PI in PPROM. The absence of changes in the left portal vein PI and ductus venosus PI supports the local cause of the finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Musilova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia,
| | - Richard Spacek
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Jaroslav Stranik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Area of Health Data and Digitalisation, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia.,Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
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Numerical investigation of the haemodynamics in the human fetal umbilical vein/ductus venosus based on the experimental data. Biosci Rep 2016; 36:BSR20160099. [PMID: 27512094 PMCID: PMC5041159 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abortion of the fetus due to a disease, in an early stage of pregnancy, has been dramatically increased in the last decades. There is a still lack of knowledge on the various types of diseases which lead fetus to a vulnerable circumstance. The transport of oxygenated blood from the placenta to the human fetus has been an important clinical feature in Doppler velocimetry studies, especially the ductus venosus (DV). The DV connects intra-abdominal portion of the umbilical vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC) at the inlet of the right atrium and is, therefore, important when examining the fetus state of health. An abnormal flow in the DV can indicate a fetal disease such as, chromosomal abnormalities, cardiac defect, hypoxaemia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The blood flow in the fetal circulation has not been investigated much in detail. The blood flow in the fetal circulation provides necessary information for physician to make a suitable decision on abortion or alternative medical practice before or even after birth. The present study performed a comparative study to quantify the blood velocity in DV by a combination approach based on 3D computational simulation and Doppler measurement. The results showed that the velocity value in DV is significant and can be considered as an indicator of any kind of disease in fetal. The nodal displacement of the model was also analysed. It shows that DV tolerates a higher level of displacement compared with the other regions of the model, whereas the nodal pressure shows different results as the lowest values are located in DV.
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Harhun MI. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ handling is crucial for generation of rhythmical Ca²⁺ waves in vascular interstitial cells from rabbit portal vein. Cell Calcium 2015; 58:325-9. [PMID: 26104918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Vasomotion is the rhythmical changes in vascular tone of various blood vessels. It was proposed that in rabbit portal vein (RPV) the spontaneous contractile activity is driven by vascular interstitial cells (VICs), since RPV VICs generate rhythmical changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) associated with membrane depolarisation in these cells. In this work, using confocal imaging in Fluo-3 loaded RPV VICs we studied if generation of rhythmical [Ca(2+)]i changes is affected when Ca(2+) handling by mitochondria is compromised. We also visualised mitochondria in VICs using Mito Tracker Green fluorescent dye. Our results showed that freshly dispersed RPV VICs generated rhythmical [Ca(2+)]i oscillations with a frequency of 0.2-0.01 Hz. Imaging of VICs stained with Mito Tracker Green revealed abundant mitochondria in these cells with a higher density of the organelles in sub-plasmalemmar region compared to the central region of the cell. Oligomycin, an ATP synthase inhibitor, did not affect the amplitude and frequency of rhythmical [Ca(2+)]i oscillations. In contrast, two uncoupling agents, carbonylcyanide-3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and carbonylcyanide-4-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) effectively abolished rhythmical [Ca(2+)]i changes with simultaneous increase in basal [Ca(2+)]i in RPV VICs. These data suggest that in RPV VICs mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling is important for the generation of rhythmical [Ca(2+)]i changes which underlie the spontaneous rhythmical contractile activity in this vessel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym I Harhun
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biophysics of Cell Signalling, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kyiv, Ukraine.
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Liao TB, Nomura RMY, Liao AW, Francisco RPV, Zugaib M. Fetal venous circulation in monochorionic twin pregnancies with placental insufficiency: prediction of acidemia at birth or intrauterine fetal death. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2014; 43:426-431. [PMID: 23828752 DOI: 10.1002/uog.12549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate fetal venous Doppler measurements in monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency and the relationship between fetal venous flow and acidemia at birth or intrauterine fetal death. METHODS This was a prospective study of 18 monochorionic twin pregnancies with placental insufficiency. Inclusion criteria were monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy, abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler indices, intact membranes and absence of fetal congenital abnormalities. Cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome were excluded. The following Doppler measurements were studied: UA pulsatility index (PI), ductus venosus PI, middle cerebral artery PI and peak systolic velocity, intra-abdominal umbilical vein (UV) time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMXV) and left portal vein (LPV) TAMXV. Doppler parameters were transformed into Z-scores (SD values from the mean) or multiples of the median according to normative references. RESULTS UA pH < 7.20 occurred in nine (25.0%) neonates, pH < 7.15 in four (11.1%) and intrauterine death in four (11.1%) fetuses. The UV-TAMXV and LPV-TAMXV Z-scores were significantly lower in the group with pH < 7.20 or intrauterine fetal death (-1.79 vs -1.22, P = 0.006 and -2.26 vs -1.13, P = 0.04, respectively). In cases with pH < 7.15 or intrauterine fetal death, UV pulsations were more frequent (50.0% vs 10.7%, P = 0.03) and UV-TAMXV Z-score was significantly lower (-1.89 vs -1.26, P = 0.003). Mixed effects logistic regression analysis, accounting for the paired nature of the outcomes for the two twins in each pregnancy, demonstrated that the UV-TAMXV Z-score significantly predicted UA pH at birth < 7.20 or intrauterine fetal death. The Doppler parameter that independently predicted pH < 7.15 or intrauterine fetal death was presence of pulsation in the UV. CONCLUSION UV Doppler parameters may predict acidemia at birth or intrauterine fetal death in monochorionic twins complicated by placental insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Leinan PR, Degroote J, Kiserud T, Skallerud B, Vierendeels J, Hellevik LR. Velocity profiles in the human ductus venosus: a numerical fluid structure interaction study. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2013; 12:1019-35. [PMID: 23277410 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-012-0460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The veins distributing oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetal body have been given much attention in clinical Doppler velocimetry studies, in particular the ductus venosus. The ductus venosus is embedded in the left liver lobe and connects the intra-abdominal portion of the umbilical vein (IUV) directly to the inferior vena cava, such that oxygenated blood can bypass the liver and flow directly to the fetal heart. In the current work, we have developed a mathematical model to assist the clinical assessment of volumetric flow rate at the inlet of the ductus venosus. With a robust estimate of the velocity profile shape coefficient (VC), the volumetric flow rate may be estimated as the product of the time-averaged cross-sectional area, the time-averaged cross-sectional maximum velocity and the VC. The time average quantities may be obtained from Doppler ultrasound measurements, whereas the VC may be estimated from numerical simulations. The mathematical model employs a 3D fluid structure interaction model of the bifurcation formed by the IUV, the ductus venosus and the left portal vein. Furthermore, the amniotic portion of the umbilical vein, the right liver lobe and the inferior vena cava were incorporated as lumped model boundary conditions for the fluid structure interaction model. A hyperelastic material is used to model the structural response of the vessel walls, based on recently available experimental data for the human IUV and ductus venous. A parametric study was constructed to investigate the VC at the ductus venosus inlet, based on a reference case for a human fetus at 36 weeks of gestation. The VC was found to be [Formula: see text] (Mean [Formula: see text] SD of parametric case study), which confirms previous studies in the literature on the VC at the ductus venosus inlet. Additionally, CFD simulations with rigid walls were performed on a subsection of the parametric case study, and only minor changes in the predicted VCs were observed compared to the FSI cases. In conclusion, the presented mathematical model is a promising tool for the assessment of ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Leinan
- Biomechanics Division, Department of Structural Engineering, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway,
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Musilova I, Kacerovsky M, Hornychova H, Kostal M, Jacobsson B. Pulsation of the fetal splenic vein--a potential ultrasound marker of histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2012; 91:1119-23. [PMID: 22574855 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0412.2012.01450.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The fetal spleen is involved in the response to intrauterine infection and inflammation. The flow pattern of its vein is not pulsatile in normal conditions. The aim of the study was to determine whether the presence of histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis is associated with a continuous or pulsatile flow pattern in the fetal splenic vein. We performed a prospective study including 79 women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. We found a relation between pulsation in the splenic vein and histological chorioamnionitis (likelihood ratio 13.2), as well as funisitis (likelihood ratio 5.7). Ultrasound evaluation of the splenic vein could be a non-invasive tool for the prediction of these inflammatory complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Musilova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Ortigosa C, Nomura RMY, Costa VN, Miyadahira S, Zugaib M. Fetal venous Doppler in pregnancies with placental dysfunction and correlation with pH at birth. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 25:2620-4. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.711394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Ebbing C, Rasmussen S, Kiserud T. Fetal hemodynamic development in macrosomic growth. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 38:303-308. [PMID: 21557374 DOI: 10.1002/uog.9046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the venous and arterial hemodynamics underlying macrosomic fetal growth. METHODS Fifty-eight healthy women who previously had given birth to a large neonate were included in a prospective longitudinal study. Of these, 29 gave birth to neonates with birth weight ≥ 90th percentile and were included in the statistical analysis. Umbilical vein blood flow and Doppler measurements of the ductus venosus, left portal vein and the hepatic, splenic, superior mesenteric, cerebral and umbilical arteries were repeated at 3-5 examinations during the second half of pregnancy and compared with the corresponding reference values. Ultrasound biometry was used to estimate fetal weight. RESULTS Umbilical blood flow increased faster in macrosomic fetuses, showed less blunting near term and was also significantly higher when normalized for estimated fetal weight (P < 0.0001). The portocaval perfusion pressure of the liver (expressed by the ductus venosus systolic blood velocity) and the left portal vein blood velocity (expressing umbilical venous distribution to the right liver lobe) were significantly higher. Systolic velocity was higher in the splenic, superior mesenteric, cerebral and umbilical arteries, while the pulsatility index was unaltered in the cerebral, hepatic, splenic and mesenteric arteries, but lower in the umbilical artery. CONCLUSIONS There is an augmented umbilical flow in macrosomic fetuses particularly near term, also when normalized for estimated fetal weight, providing increased liver perfusion, including the right liver lobe. Signs of increased vascular cross section and flow are also seen on the arterial side but not expressed in the pulsatility index of organs with prominent auto-regulation (i.e., brain, liver, spleen and gut).
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ebbing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway.
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Kaponis A, Harada T, Makrydimas G, Kiyama T, Arata K, Adonakis G, Tsapanos V, Iwabe T, Stefos T, Decavalas G, Harada T. The importance of venous Doppler velocimetry for evaluation of intrauterine growth restriction. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2011; 30:529-545. [PMID: 21460154 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2011.30.4.529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The management of growth-restricted fetuses requires accurate diagnosis to optimize the timing of delivery. Doppler velocimetry is the only noninvasive method for assessing the fetoplacental hemodynamic status. This review will give a critical overview of the current knowledge on fetal venous blood flow in pregnancies complicated by in-trauterine growth-restricted fetuses. Adaptation of the circulation in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses is described. Normal and abnormal venous Doppler waveforms are presented. Correlations of abnormal waveforms with the presence of acidemia and perinatal outcomes are emphasized. Limitations of venous Doppler velocimetry for optimizing the time for delivery and the perinatal outcome are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Kaponis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Patra University School of Medicine, Patra, Greece.
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Yagel S, Kivilevitch Z, Cohen SM, Valsky DV, Messing B, Shen O, Achiron R. The fetal venous system, Part II: ultrasound evaluation of the fetus with congenital venous system malformation or developing circulatory compromise. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2010; 36:93-111. [PMID: 20205158 DOI: 10.1002/uog.7622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The human fetal venous system is well-recognized as a target for investigation in cases of circulatory compromise, and a broad spectrum of malformations affecting this system has been described. In Part I of this review, we described the normal embryology, anatomy and physiology of this system, essential to the understanding of structural anomalies and the sequential changes encountered in intrauterine growth restriction and other developmental disorders. In Part II we review the etiology and sonographic appearance of malformations of the human fetal venous system, discuss the pathophysiology of the system and describe venous Doppler investigation in the fetus with circulatory compromise.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yagel
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Center, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Centers, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Ebbing C, Rasmussen S, Godfrey KM, Hanson MA, Kiserud T. Fetal superior mesenteric artery: longitudinal reference ranges and evidence of regulatory link to portal liver circulation. Early Hum Dev 2009; 85:207-13. [PMID: 19013030 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2008.09.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2008] [Revised: 09/23/2008] [Accepted: 09/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish longitudinal reference ranges for the fetal superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow velocity and pulsatility index (PI(SMA)). Also to examine the hemodynamic relationship to venous liver perfusion and umbilical flow distribution in the liver, to other splanchnic arteries, and more generally to the middle cerebral and umbilical artery. METHODS Prospective longitudinal study of 161 low-risk pregnancies using Doppler recordings including the SMA, repeated on 3-5 occasions at 3-5 weekly intervals. Umbilical venous flow was estimated, blood velocity in the shunt ductus venosus represented umbilico-caval (i.e. porto-caval) pressure gradient, and left portal vein blood velocity represented umbilical distribution within the liver. The correlation between PI(SMA) and the splenic and hepatic artery PI were analysed (PI(SA) and PI(HA)), and the association to middle cerebral and umbilical artery PI (PI(MCA) and PI(UA)) assessed. RESULTS Reference ranges for the SMA for gestational weeks 21-39 were based on 589 observations. Low impedance in the SMA (i.e. low PI(SMA)) was associated with low umbilical flow and porto-caval pressure gradient (i.e. <10th centile), and high distribution of umbilical flow to the right lobe (i.e. left portal vein blood velocity >90th centile). PI(SMA) correlated weakly with PI(SA) and PI(HA) (r=0.30, 95%CI 0.22-0.37, and r=0.39, 95%CI 0.27-0.51, respectively). PI(SMA) was positively associated with PI(MCA) and PI(UA). CONCLUSION We have provided longitudinal reference ranges for fetal SMA flow velocity and PI, and shown that the SMA, which perfuses the fetal gut, is also involved in the regulation of the liver perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrine Ebbing
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
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Ebbing C, Rasmussen S, Godfrey KM, Hanson MA, Kiserud T. Fetal celiac and splenic artery flow velocity and pulsatility index: longitudinal reference ranges and evidence for vasodilation at a low portocaval pressure gradient. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2008; 32:663-672. [PMID: 18816500 DOI: 10.1002/uog.6145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish longitudinal reference ranges for the fetal celiac and splenic arteries flow velocity and pulsatility index (PI), and to determine their hemodynamic relationship to venous liver perfusion and distribution and to other essential arteries. METHODS This was a prospective longitudinal study of 161 low-risk pregnancies. Doppler recordings of the celiac and splenic arteries were made on three to five occasions at 3-5-week intervals to establish reference ranges for blood velocity and PI measurements. Peak systolic velocity in the ductus venosus, a shunt between the umbilical and inferior caval veins, was used to represent the umbilicocaval (i.e. portocaval) pressure gradient, and the left portal vein blood velocity represented the umbilical distribution to the right liver lobe. The correlations between the celiac, splenic and hepatic arteries were determined, and their association with the middle cerebral and umbilical artery PIs (MCA-PI and UA-PI) was assessed. RESULTS Longitudinal reference ranges for the fetal celiac and splenic arteries were established based on 510 and 521 observations, respectively, during gestational weeks 21-39. Terms for calculating conditional reference ranges to be used for repeat observations are provided. Celiac and splenic artery PIs were low when portocaval pressure and umbilical supply to the right lobe were low (P < 0.0001). Their peak systolic velocity and PI were correlated (r = 0.7 (95% CI, 0.6-0.8) and r = 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.6), respectively), while the PI of the hepatic artery correlated weakly with those of the celiac and splenic arteries. They were positively associated with the MCA-PI and UA-PI (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION We provide longitudinal reference ranges for the fetal celiac and splenic arteries Doppler measurements and show that they are involved in maintaining portal liver perfusion independently from the hepatic artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ebbing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway.
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Kessler J, Rasmussen S, Godfrey K, Hanson M, Kiserud T. Longitudinal study of umbilical and portal venous blood flow to the fetal liver: low pregnancy weight gain is associated with preferential supply to the fetal left liver lobe. Pediatr Res 2008; 63:315-20. [PMID: 18338440 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e318163a1de] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent data suggest that umbilical venous perfusion of the fetal liver has an important influence on fetal growth and postnatal liver function, and that maternal factors in late pregnancy modify this circulation. In a longitudinal study of 160 low-risk pregnancies, we determined how umbilical and portal venous blood flows to the fetal liver changed during gestation, and examined the hypothesis that maternal body mass index and pregnancy weight gain influenced fetal liver blood flows. We measured blood flows in the umbilical and portal veins, left portal branch, and ductus venosus using ultrasound. Normalizing for estimated fetal weight, fetal liver total venous blood flow fell from 84 to 57 mL. min(-1). kg(-1) during 21-39 wk of gestation; toward term the portal contribution increased (from 14 to 20%) and the umbilical contribution fell, whereas distribution between the left and right liver lobes was stable, 60%/40%. Greater flow of nutrient-rich umbilical venous blood to the liver was associated with higher birth weight and neonatal ponderal index. Maternal body mass index was not related to fetal liver blood flows, but low pregnancy weight gain strongly influenced flow distribution between the right and left liver lobes, sparing the left lobe and increasing the difference between lobes by 16%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Kessler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway.
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Kessler J, Rasmussen S, Kiserud T. The left portal vein as an indicator of watershed in the fetal circulation: development during the second half of pregnancy and a suggested method of evaluation. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2007; 30:757-64. [PMID: 17899574 DOI: 10.1002/uog.5146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The left portal vein represents a watershed area in the fetal circulation and the change of flow direction is a suggested marker of circulatory compromise. Our aim was to study the left portal vein of uncompromised human pregnancies and establish reference ranges. METHODS One hundred and sixty low-risk pregnant women were recruited to a longitudinal study that included four to five Doppler measurements at monthly intervals during the second half of pregnancy. RESULTS Based on 554 Doppler recordings we found time-averaged maximum flow velocities increasing from a mean of 10.6 cm/s to 14.2 cm/s during 21-31 weeks of gestation, remaining stable until 37 weeks and decreasing towards term. Intermittent flow reversal occurred during fetal respiratory movements, and continuous flow reversal was seen in 2/160 fetuses close to delivery. CONCLUSIONS We propose time-averaged maximum blood velocity measurement for quantification of the watershed phenomenon in the left portal branch, and have provided reference ranges for single observations and serial measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kessler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bergen, University of Bergen and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
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Kiserud T, Ebbing C, Kessler J, Rasmussen S. Fetal cardiac output, distribution to the placenta and impact of placental compromise. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2006; 28:126-36. [PMID: 16826560 DOI: 10.1002/uog.2832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intrauterine growth restriction is a common clinical problem, but the underlying hemodynamic changes are not well known. Our aim was to determine the normal distribution of fetal cardiac output to the placenta during the second half of pregnancy, and to assess the changes imposed by growth restriction with various degrees of placental compromise. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 212 low-risk pregnancies with a gestational age of 18-41 weeks constituted the reference population. A second group of 64 pregnancies with an estimated fetal weight <or = 2.5(th) percentile constituted the study group. Ultrasound measurements of inner diameters and velocities at the fetal left and right ventricular outlets and intra-abdominal umbilical vein were used to determine combined left and right cardiac output (CCO) and the fraction distributed to the placenta. Placental compromise was graded according to umbilical artery waveform: pulsatility index normal, > 97.5th percentile, or absent/reversed end-diastolic velocity. Regression analysis and Z-score (SD-score) statistics were used to establish normal ranges and to compare groups. RESULTS During gestational weeks 18-41 the normal CCO/kg was on average 400 mL/min/kg and the fraction directed to the placenta was on average 32%, while after 32 weeks it was 21%. In intrauterine growth restriction the CCO/kg was not significantly different, but the fraction to the placenta was lower (P < 0.001). This effect was more pronounced in severe placental compromise (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Normally, one third of the fetal CCO is distributed to the placenta in most of the second half of pregnancy, and one fifth near term. In placental compromise this fraction is reduced while CCO/kg is maintained at normal levels, signifying an increased recirculation of umbilical blood in the fetal body.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kiserud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Kiserud T, Kessler J, Ebbing C, Rasmussen S. Ductus venosus shunting in growth-restricted fetuses and the effect of umbilical circulatory compromise. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2006; 28:143-9. [PMID: 16770753 DOI: 10.1002/uog.2784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the degree of ductus venosus (DV) shunting in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and the effect of various degrees of umbilical circulatory compromise. METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study. Sixty-four fetuses with IUGR (estimated weight < or = 2.5(th) percentile) underwent ultrasound examination. The diameter, velocity, and blood flow were determined in the DV and intra-abdominal umbilical vein (UV), and the fraction of shunting and DV : UV diameter ratios were calculated. Placental compromise was classified according to either normal umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI), UA-PI > 97.5(th) percentile, or absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity (A/REDV). Regression analysis was used to construct mean values, and SD scores were used to determine differences compared with a reference population (n = 212) after ln- or power-transformation. RESULTS In the 64 growth-restricted fetuses, the average DV shunting was 39% compared with 25% in the reference group (overall P < 0.0001). The corresponding values in the subgroups with normal UA-PI, UA-PI > 97.5(th) percentile, and A/REDV were 31%, 35%, and 57%, respectively. Fetuses with IUGR and normal UA-PI (SD score: mean, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.04-0.92) did not shunt significantly more than did the reference fetuses (SD score: mean, 0.0; 95% CI, - 0.15 to 0.15), but those with UA-PI > 97.5(th) percentile (SD score: mean, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.41-1.29), and particularly those with A/REDV (SD score: mean, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.0-2.12) did shunt significantly more. With more DV shunting, these fetuses distributed correspondingly less umbilical blood to the liver, one of the mechanisms being a lower perfusion pressure as reflected in the lower DV blood velocity (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS DV shunting is higher and the umbilical blood flow to the liver is less in fetuses with IUGR, particularly in those with the most severe umbilical hemodynamic compromise.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kiserud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Bergen, Norway.
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Baschat AA. The fetal circulation and essential organs-a new twist to an old tale. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2006; 27:349-54. [PMID: 16565990 DOI: 10.1002/uog.2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
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Abstract
Our understanding of fetal circulatory physiology is based on experimental animal data, and this continues to be an important source of new insight into developmental mechanisms. A growing number of human studies have investigated the human physiology, with results that are similar but not identical to those from animal studies. It is time to appreciate these differences and base more of our clinical approach on human physiology. Accordingly, the present review focuses on distributional patterns and adaptational mechanisms that were mainly discovered by human studies. These include cardiac output, pulmonary and placental circulation, fetal brain and liver, venous return to the heart, and the fetal shunts (ductus venosus, foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus). Placental compromise induces a set of adaptational and compensational mechanisms reflecting the plasticity of the developing circulation, with both short- and long-term implications. Some of these aspects have become part of the clinical physiology of today with consequences for surveillance and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torvid Kiserud
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, and Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Haugen G, Kiserud T, Godfrey K, Crozier S, Hanson M. Portal and umbilical venous blood supply to the liver in the human fetus near term. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2004; 24:599-605. [PMID: 15517551 DOI: 10.1002/uog.1744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the contribution of the umbilical (UV) and portal (PV) veins to blood supply to the human fetal liver in a low-risk population near term, and to assess the distribution between the left and right lobes. METHODS In 91 low-risk pregnancies with normally grown fetuses at 36 weeks of gestation we measured the distribution of blood in the UV and PV to the right and left hepatic lobes using ultrasound imaging and Doppler techniques. RESULTS The median (10(th), 90(th) centile) total UV return was 205 (127, 294) mL/min, of which 25% (13, 47%) was shunted through the ductus venosus, 55% (35, 66%) was distributed to the left hepatic lobe, and 20% (11, 30%) was distributed to the right hepatic lobe. While the left lobe was supplied exclusively by the UV, the right lobe received 50% (20, 70%; 37 (16, 65) mL/min) of its venous blood supply from the PV. The total venous blood supply to the liver parenchyma was 185 (114, 277) mL/min; 21% (8, 34%) came from the PV supply to the right lobe and the remainder came from the UV supply to both lobes. CONCLUSIONS The venous supply to the left lobe is from nutrient-rich UV blood; for the right lobe, half is from UV blood and half from nutrient-poor PV blood. This watershed between the portal and umbilical venous flows to the fetal liver suggests a corresponding functional dichotomy; this may be modified by hemodynamic influences, with long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Haugen
- Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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Skulstad SM, Kiserud T, Rasmussen S. The effect of vascular constriction on umbilical venous pulsation. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2004; 23:126-130. [PMID: 14770390 DOI: 10.1002/uog.971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Umbilical venous pulsation is an important sign of hemodynamic compromise, but is also found under normal physiological conditions. Mathematical modeling suggests that vascular compliance is a determinant for pulsation, and we tested this by studying velocity pulsation at three sites on the umbilical vein. METHODS In a cross-sectional study of 279 low-risk pregnancies (20-40 weeks' gestational age) blood flow velocity in the umbilical vein was determined before, within and after the umbilical ring in the fetal abdominal wall, and the incidence and magnitude of pulsation (the difference between the maximum and minimum velocity during a pulse, and pulsatility index) were noted. Based on the fact that the vessel cross-sectional area is an important determinant of compliance, we measured the diameter and time-averaged maximum velocity to reflect variation in diameter and compliance at the three sites. RESULTS The incidence of umbilical venous pulsation was higher at the umbilical ring in the abdominal wall (242/279, 87%, 95% CI 82-90) than in the cord (43/198, 22%, 95%CI 16-27) or intra-abdominally (84/277, 30%, 95% CI 25-36) (P < 0.001). When pulsation was observed intra-abdominally, the pulsatility was not different from that at the umbilical ring (P = 0.16). However, the lowest pulsatility was found in the cord vein (P < 0.0001), where the largest vein diameter was found. CONCLUSION The high incidence of venous pulsation at the umbilical ring where diameter and compliance are low supports the suggestion that local compliance is an important factor influencing pulsation in fetal veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Skulstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Abstract
Accumulating data on the human fetal circulation shows the similarity to the experimental animal physiology, but with important differences. The human fetus seems to circulate less blood through the placenta, shunt less through the ductus venosus and foramen ovale, but direct more blood through the lungs than the fetal sheep. However, there are substantial individual variations and the pattern changes with gestational age. The normalised umbilical blood flow decreases with gestational age, and, at 28 to 32 weeks, a new level of development seems to be reached. At this stage, the shunting through the ductus venosus and the foramen ovale reaches a minimum, and the flow through the lungs a maximum. The ductus venosus and foramen ovale are functionally closely related and represent an important distributional unit for the venous return. The left portal branch represents a venous watershed, and, similarly, the isthmus aorta an arterial watershed. Thus, the fetal central circulation is a very flexible and adaptive circulatory system. The responses to increased afterload, hypoxaemia and acidaemia in the human fetus are equivalent to those found in animal studies: increased ductus venosus and foramen ovale shunting, increased impedance in the lungs, reduced impedance in the brain, increasingly reversed flow in the aortic isthmus and a more prominent coronary blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torvid Kiserud
- University of Bergen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bergen, Norway.
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Current awareness in prenatal diagnosis. Prenat Diagn 2003; 23:522-8. [PMID: 12858868 DOI: 10.1002/pd.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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