Pelle G Lindqvist1, Karel Marsál, Jouko P Pirhonen. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Science, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden. Pelle.Lindqvist@med.lu.se
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine normative data for maternal cerebral blood flow indices. Study design. A prospective longitudinal study. METHODS: The maternal middle cerebral artery was examined by transcranial Doppler ultrasound in 14 healthy women before (0-10 months prior to conception) and during pregnancy (at 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36 weeks of gestation), and twice after delivery (at 8 and 24 weeks). Middle cerebral artery blood flow velocities were recorded, and pulsatility index and cerebral perfusion pressure were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Pulsatility index of middle cerebral artery peaked in mid-pregnancy and was constantly increased between 8 and 29 weeks of gestation. The diastolic middle cerebral artery velocity remained fairly constant at about 40 cm/s during the study period, while the systolic velocity peaked at 15 weeks (mean 102 cm/s). Cerebral perfusion pressure dropped to its lowest levels in mid-pregnancy and after delivery.
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine normative data for maternal cerebral blood flow indices. Study design. A prospective longitudinal study. METHODS: The maternal middle cerebral artery was examined by transcranial Doppler ultrasound in 14 healthy women before (0-10 months prior to conception) and during pregnancy (at 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36 weeks of gestation), and twice after delivery (at 8 and 24 weeks). Middle cerebral artery blood flow velocities were recorded, and pulsatility index and cerebral perfusion pressure were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Pulsatility index of middle cerebral artery peaked in mid-pregnancy and was constantly increased between 8 and 29 weeks of gestation. The diastolic middle cerebral artery velocity remained fairly constant at about 40 cm/s during the study period, while the systolic velocity peaked at 15 weeks (mean 102 cm/s). Cerebral perfusion pressure dropped to its lowest levels in mid-pregnancy and after delivery.
Authors: Bethany D Skinner; Rebecca J Davies; Samuel R Weaver; N Tim Cable; Samuel J E Lucas; Rebekah A I Lucas Journal: Front Physiol Date: 2021-06-17 Impact factor: 4.566