Key result
Placental dysfunction with abnormal umbilical Doppler was not associated with altered right atrial function compared to healthy fetuses.
Why the study?
Does impaired placental function alter fetal atrial strain and velocity as measured by 2D speckle-tracking compared to healthy fetuses?
Observational (n=290)
Does impaired placental function alter fetal atrial strain and velocity as measured by 2D speckle-tracking compared to healthy fetuses?
Fetal atrial function, assessed via 2D speckle-tracking, remains preserved even in the presence of placental dysfunction and abnormal venous circulation.
Fetal right atrial function appears preserved in placental dysfunction; leaves open whether speckle-tracking refines fetal surveillance.
OBJECTIVE: Cardiac dysfunction has been shown in cases of placental insufficiency, but few reports exist on fetal atrial function. The aim of this study was to generate reference values for atrial strain and compare them to results in fetuses with signs of increased placental resistance and abnormal venous circulation. METHODS: Using a 2D speckle-tracking technique, velocity and strain of the fetal atrial walls were investigated in 250 healthy fetuses and in 40 fetuses with abnormal umbilical Doppler. Influences of gestational age, heart rate, and frame rate on the measurements were investigated and reference curves constructed. RESULTS: Strain and velocity were greater for the right atrial walls compared with the left, and velocity and strain rate increased with gestational age. Increased pulsatility of the ductus venosus and umbilical vein was not associated with altered right atrial function. CONCLUSIONS: 2D speckle-tracking analysis of fetal atrial wall movement seems to be feasible. Atrial function was preserved in fetuses with placental dysfunction, even in cases of increased venous pulsatility.
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Dahlbäck et al. (2015) conducted an observational in Impaired placental function (n=290). Abnormal umbilical Doppler (placental dysfunction) vs. Healthy fetuses was evaluated on Atrial strain and velocity. Placental dysfunction with abnormal umbilical Doppler was not associated with altered right atrial function compared to healthy fetuses.