Homepage > Health

Study: Technique Predicts Miscarriage Risk

Doppler Ultrasound Detects Red Blood Cells' Speed Through Embryo's Heart

POSTED: 2:28 p.m. EST December 2, 2003

Researchers suggest that a Doppler ultrasound during pregnancy could help detect the risk of miscarriage.

The study, presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, found that the Doppler ultrasound performed in early pregnancy can accurately identify embryonic congestive heart failure, which researchers linked to about 40 percent of miscarriages.

By inserting a probe into the vagina, researchers performed ultrasounds on 1,530 pregnant women early in their first trimester. Using high-resolution ultrasound imaging and highly sensitive Doppler, the researchers identified, for the first time, congestive heart failure in embryos.

Dr. Jason C. Birnholz, president of Diagnostic Ultrasound Consultants in Oak Brook, Ill., said that a lack of oxygen to the heart causes embryonic congestive heart failure and the Doppler technology can identify the symptoms.

"The chances the pregnancy will continue are very high, about 95 percent, when Doppler ultrasound confirms normal embryonic heart function at six weeks," said Birnholz, who led the research. "Over 99 percent of pregnancies with an abnormal Doppler pattern do not continue."

According to Birnholz, the Doppler test measures the speed of red blood cells moving through vessels to determine pressure dynamics within the embryo's heart. The test is similar to Doppler radar measuring the speed of wind and other weather elements.

Miscarriage is the most common complication of human gestation, occurring in approximately 20 percent of recognized pregnancies, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Compared to conventional ultrasounds, Birnholz said the Doppler technology is more accurate. He said that embryonic congestive heart failure may be treated in the future by providing supplemental oxygen to an expectant mother during the critical time of development.

Additional Resources:

Links We Like

The first step in reducing debt is recognizing how much you have. Let us help you with the rest and get out from under your debt in 12 months. More

Get the world's first bake, slice and serve brownie maker and bake the perfect brownies every time. More

Get car insurance quotes from all the major carriers and save time an money in the process. Just enter your zip code and start saving today. More

A degree from ITT Technical Institute can help you achieve your goals and get you started on the path towards a rewarding career. More

Caregiving

How To Talk About Incontinence
Caring.com
How To Talk About Incontinence, Including Who Should Do The Talking, When To Have The Conversation, And How To Avoid Emotional Land Mines. More Details



Sponsored Links