Qian Chen1, Xiao-feng Sun, Hui-juan Liu. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To define the value of Tei index of normal fetuses and to estimate the influence of gestational week and heart rate on the index. METHODS: Fetal echocardiograms were performed on 225 normal single fetuses, which were divided into three groups (18 approximately 27(+6), 28 approximately 36(+6), 37 approximately 42 gestational weeks). The Tei indexes of both left and right ventricles (LV and RV) were measured by color Doppler ultrasonography. t test was used to compare the Tei index between LV and RV. The correlation between Tei index, gestational week and fetal heart rate were analyzed. RESULTS: The Tei indexes in three different gestational week groups (18 approximately 27(+6), 28 approximately 36(+6), 37 approximately 42 gestational weeks) were 0.37 +/- 0.08, 0.27 +/- 0.05, 0.22 +/- 0.05 of LV and 0.39 +/- 0.04, 0.30 +/- 0.05, 0.24 +/- 0.04 of RV respectively. There was significant difference of Tei index of RV and LV during 28 approximately 36(+6) gestational weeks (P < 0.05). The Tei index of LV and RV decreased linearly with advancing gestational week during 18 - 42 weeks (LV: r = -0.755, PP < 0.05; RV: r = -0.721, P < 0.05) in normal single fetuses. None of the fetal Tei indexes of LV and RV was related to fetal heart rate (LV: r = 0.133, P > 0.05; RV: r = 0.100, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tei index may be useful, convenient and reliable in fetal cardiac function assessment.
OBJECTIVE: To define the value of Tei index of normal fetuses and to estimate the influence of gestational week and heart rate on the index. METHODS: Fetal echocardiograms were performed on 225 normal single fetuses, which were divided into three groups (18 approximately 27(+6), 28 approximately 36(+6), 37 approximately 42 gestational weeks). The Tei indexes of both left and right ventricles (LV and RV) were measured by color Doppler ultrasonography. t test was used to compare the Tei index between LV and RV. The correlation between Tei index, gestational week and fetal heart rate were analyzed. RESULTS: The Tei indexes in three different gestational week groups (18 approximately 27(+6), 28 approximately 36(+6), 37 approximately 42 gestational weeks) were 0.37 +/- 0.08, 0.27 +/- 0.05, 0.22 +/- 0.05 of LV and 0.39 +/- 0.04, 0.30 +/- 0.05, 0.24 +/- 0.04 of RV respectively. There was significant difference of Tei index of RV and LV during 28 approximately 36(+6) gestational weeks (P < 0.05). The Tei index of LV and RV decreased linearly with advancing gestational week during 18 - 42 weeks (LV: r = -0.755, PP < 0.05; RV: r = -0.721, P < 0.05) in normal single fetuses. None of the fetal Tei indexes of LV and RV was related to fetal heart rate (LV: r = 0.133, P > 0.05; RV: r = 0.100, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tei index may be useful, convenient and reliable in fetal cardiac function assessment.