Open AccessEffect of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate on Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery Flow Velocity Waveforms in term Pregnancy
Author(s) -
Hata Toshiyuki,
Senoh Daisaku,
Hata Kohkichi,
Kitao Manabu,
Masumura Sumio
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349609033328
Subject(s) - medicine , middle cerebral artery , umbilical artery , fetus , pregnancy , dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate , cerebral arteries , anesthesia , cardiology , ischemia , biology , hormone , androgen , genetics
Objective. To investigate whether bolus injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) is associated with changes in fetal middle cerebral artery flow velocity waveforms in term pregnancy. Methods. Ten normal full‐term pregnant women received the administration of a 200‐mg intravenous dose of DHAS in 20 ml of 5% dextrose. Ten normal full‐term pregnant women received 20 ml 5% dextrose as controls. Color Doppler flow imaging and pulsed Doppler ultrasonographic assessments were made on fetuses in each group before and 10 min, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min after DHAS or dextrose administration. The pulsatility index (PI) values for the middle cerebral artery, and umbilical artery, and fetal heart rate were recorded. Results. In the DHAS group, middle cerebral artery PI decreased from baseline by 24% ( p <.05) after 10 min, and the mean reduction was 22% ( p <.05) after 30 min. The PI returned to the baseline value 60 min later. In the control group, there was no change in middle cerebral artery PI. No change was found in umbilical artery PI or fetal heart rate in the control or DHAS group. Conclusion. DHAS induces a significant decrease in the fetal middle cerebral artery PI, which suggests a possible decrease in fetal cerebral vascular impedance in term pregnancy.