Abstract
The Doppler principle provides a noninvasive measure of blood velocity by quantitating changes in reflected sound wave frequencies. Velocity (V) is related to flow (Q) by: Q = V. vessel area. Using this technique we measured great vessel velocities in 30 healthy, term infants (mean wt. = 3390 gm) from birth through closure of fetal shunts. Within the first six hours of life and again 24 and 48 hrs later we recorded mean velocities from the ascending AO (suprasternal) and the main PA (mid-sternum). Velocity spectrum were also recorded. The group was divided equally according to sex and route of delivery. AO mean velocities (cm/sec) were unchanged from the first study (10.5 ± 3.7 SD) through the two subsequent exams (11.5 ± 2.8: 10.8 ± 2.5). PA velocities were also unchanged but more difficult to quantitate. PA flow patterns, however, were useful in detecting shunts when diastolic flow was seen. Heart rate (HR) remained constant.
Conclusions: l)Despite major changes in the circulatory system AO velocity and therefore flow is unchanged during the first three days of life. (This finding correlates with a fetal study which found that AO velocity remained constant through the third trimester: Erskine BJOG in press). 2) Diastolic flow is lost by 48 hrs of life 3) the route of delivery does not affect AO velocity or closure of fetal shunts and 4) this technique is reproducible and has the potential to assess cardiovascular function in the neonate.
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Mirro, R., Gray, P. & Fitzhardinge, P. 123 SEQUENTIAL AORTIC (AO) & PULMONARY (PA) PULSE-DQPPLER VELOCITIES IN THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF LIFE. Pediatr Res 19, 131 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00153
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00153
