Abnormal fetal aortic velocity waveform and minor neurological dysfunction at 7 years of age

Measurements of fetal aortic blood flow velocity and fetal growth were performed in 178 pregnancies. In 87 cases, the estimated fetal weight was greater than or equal to 2 SD below the gestational age-related mean of the population. Three fetuses died in utero. In 149 children (85%), a neurological examination was performed at 7 years of age with special emphasis on minor neurological dysfunction. The frequency of the more severe form of minor neurological dysfunction, MND-2, was higher in the group with blood flow class (BFC) III (absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity (8/21) than in the group with BFC 0 (normal velocity waveform) (14/105). Logistic regression analysis revealed that abnormal blood flow class, both independently and in combination with other factors, was the most significant predictor of MND-2. The association found between abnormal fetal aortic velocity waveforms an adverse outcome in terms of minor neurological dysfunction suggests that hemodynamic evaluation of the fetus has a predictive value regarding postnatal neurological development.