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Neonatal colour Doppler ultrasound study: normal values of abdominal blood flow velocities in the neonate during the first month of life

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Abstract

Background

Doppler US to measure abdominal blood flow velocities (ABFV) is increasingly used to investigate intestinal haemodynamics in several clinical conditions in neonates. Studies that provide reference values of ABFV during the entire neonatal period are currently lacking.

Objective

To make available normal reference values of ABFV and Doppler indices in the coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery during the first month of life in term and healthy preterm infants.

Materials and methods

ABFV were obtained with colour Doppler US in 69 neonates (12 term, 57 preterm) divided into four gestational age groups (25–28 weeks, 29–32 weeks, 33–36 weeks, and 37–41 weeks).

Results

ABFV increased with increasing gestational and postnatal age. We also provide normal reference values of ABFV and Doppler indices to compare with measurements of abdominal blood flow changes during the neonatal period for diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic purposes.

Conclusion

These longitudinal reference values provide a useful tool for assessing possible alteration in ABFV secondary to neonatal pathologies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neonatology, “Sacro Cuore” Catholic University, Via Antonio Sala, 15, 00167, Rome, Italy

    Patrizia Papacci, Carmen Giannantonio, Francesco Cota, Carla Maria Semeraro, Maria Fioretti, Mikael Ghennet Tesfagabir & Costantino Romagnoli

  2. Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neonatology, “Cristo Re” Hospital, Rome, Italy

    Caterina Latella

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  1. Patrizia Papacci
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  2. Carmen Giannantonio
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  3. Francesco Cota
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  4. Caterina Latella
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  5. Carla Maria Semeraro
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  6. Maria Fioretti
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  7. Mikael Ghennet Tesfagabir
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  8. Costantino Romagnoli
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Correspondence to Patrizia Papacci.

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Papacci, P., Giannantonio, C., Cota, F. et al. Neonatal colour Doppler ultrasound study: normal values of abdominal blood flow velocities in the neonate during the first month of life. Pediatr Radiol 39, 328–335 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-1112-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-1112-6

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