Abstract
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this project was to characterize the reversal of blood flow in the proximal inferior vena cava (IVC) seen in fetal sheep with pacing-induced atrial tachycardia and hydrops. We successfully operated on seven pregnant ewes at 118–130 d gestation to attach ECG and pacing wires, insert vascular catheters, and place Doppler flow probes around the common aortic trunk and the IVC. We also performed two-dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic exams at baseline, after initiation of pacing, and daily thereafter. All fetuses developed hydrops. Ultrasonographic appearance of ascites and pleural effusion occurred within 4 h in four fetuses and within 48 h in all fetuses. Atrial pacing did not affect arterial pH or arterial O2 tension, but arterial CO2 tension increased by a small amount. Mean IVC pressure increased 75%, whereas mean aortic pressure remained the same. Concentrations of plasma protein and albumin and the hematocrit did not change with atrial pacing. Doppler ultrasound examination and Doppler IVC flow tracings showed that flow reversal began immediately with atrial pacing and disappeared immediately with cessation of pacing. Reversed flow was 21% of forward flow. Inspection of simultaneous recordings of ECG, Doppler aortic and IVC flows, and aortic and IVC pressure tracings revealed that the reversed blood flow occurred in diastole in conjunction with atrial contraction and, therefore, could not be due to tricuspid insufficiency. Our findings of increased venous pressure and reversed venous blood flow suggest that ventricular function is impaired and further suggest that oxygen supply to the ventricles may not be sufficient for the increased demand.
Similar content being viewed by others
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gest, A., Martin, C., Moise, A. et al. Reversal of Venous Blood Flow with Atrial Tachycardia and Hydrops in Fetal Sheep. Pediatr Res 28, 223–226 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00013
Received:
Accepted:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199009000-00013
This article is cited by
-
Fetale Arrhythmien – ein Update
Der Gynäkologe (2022)
-
A Fetus With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Tricuspid Stenosis With Evolving Hydrops Fetalis
Pediatric Cardiology (2012)
-
Fetale Tachyarrhythmien
Der Gynäkologe (2006)
-
Fetal hydrops in experimental obstructive uropathy resolves after vesicostomy formation: is this cause and effect?
Pediatric Surgery International (2005)
