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Changes in fetal hemodynamics with ritodrine tocolysis
Author(s) -
Gokay Z.,
Ozcan T.,
Copel J. A.
Publication year - 2001
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 - 10.1046/j.1469-0705.2001.00453.x
Subject(s) - medicine , ritodrine , umbilical artery , cardiology , fetus , ductus arteriosus , descending aorta , anesthesia , middle cerebral artery , heart rate , blood flow , aorta , hemodynamics , pregnancy , blood pressure , gestation , ischemia , genetics , biology
Objective To evaluate the effect of ritodrine on the fetal cardiovascular system. Methods Cardiac and extracardiac Doppler waveforms were recorded in 12 fetuses prior to and during ritodrine therapy used for preterm labor. Maternal and fetal heart rates, the Doppler pulsatility indices of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, descending thoracic aorta and renal artery, and time velocity integrals of the atrioventricular valves and the ductus arteriosus, were measured. Results Ritodrine infusion caused an increase in maternal and fetal heart rates, the left cardiac output as measured by the product of time velocity integral and heart rate, and the pulsatility index of the middle cerebral artery, and a decrease in the pulsatility index of the umbilical artery. Conclusions Ritodrine infusion may alter placental and cerebral blood flow and may have a selective effect on the left side of the heart. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology