ABSENT END-DIASTOLIC FLOW VELOCITY WAVE-FORMS IN THE UMBILICAL ARTERY - THE SUBSEQUENT PREGNANCY

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the recurrence risk, course, and outcome of subsequent pregnancies in women with absent umbilical end-diastolic velocity. STUDY DESIGN: Absent umbilical end-diastolic velocity was detected in 88 women. Sixteen of them were prospectively followed up in their 19 subsequent pregnancies. These pregnancies were compared with their index pregnancies. RESULTS: The index pregnancy was invariably complicated with a perinatal mortality of 56%, growth restriction in 94% (15/16), and prematurity in 100% (75% <32 weeks' gestation). In contrast, the outcome of the subsequent pregnancies was much better, and 74% (14/19) were uncomplicated. No perinatal deaths occurred, and none were delivered before 32 weeks' gestation. Absent umbilical end-diastolic velocity recurred in only two pregnancies, both of which were complicated. Six women had autoantibodies; these accounted for 80% (4/5) of subsequent complicated pregnancies. CONCLUSION: After an index pregnancy with absent umbilical end-diastolic velocity, subsequent pregnancies had favorable outcomes. Recurrence of absent umbilical end-diastolic velocity was low. The absence of autoantibodies and normal Doppler studies were associated with improved outcome.