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Non‐influence of fetal gender on ductus venosus Doppler flow in the first trimester
Author(s) -
Teixeira L. S.,
Leite J.,
Castro Viegas M. J. B.,
Faria M. M. L.,
Pires M. C.,
Teixeira H. C.,
Teixeira R. C.,
Pettersen H.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.202
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1469-0705
pISSN - 0960-7692
DOI - 10.1002/uog.5330
Subject(s) - ductus venosus , medicine , fetus , blood flow , diastole , gestation , cardiology , obstetrics , pregnancy , blood pressure , biology , genetics
Objectives Recent findings have suggested that ductus venosus blood flow may be influenced by fetal gender. The aim of this study was to investigate further the influence of fetal gender on ductus venosus Doppler flow in the first trimester. Methods This was a cross‐sectional and retrospective study performed between January 1998 and January 2003. A total of 932 fetuses at between 10 and 14 weeks' gestation were included. The following inclusion criteria were used: singleton gestation; crown–rump length between 39 and 84 mm; and absence of fetal anomalies. The following variables of the ductus venosus were evaluated: peak velocity during ventricular systole (S‐wave) and diastole (D‐wave); nadir during atrial contraction in late diastole (A‐wave); pulsatility index for veins (PIV); peak velocity index for veins (PVIV); and time‐averaged maximum velocity (TAMXV). Results Four hundred and forty‐eight (48.1%) female and 484 (51.9%) male fetuses were included in the study. Comparing males and females at between 10 and 14 weeks' gestation, there was no statistically significant difference in S‐wave, D‐wave, A‐wave, PIV, PVIV or TAMXV. Conclusions Our study suggests that fetal gender does not influence ductus venosus blood flow in the first trimester. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.