Reversed Umbilical artery End-Diastolic Flow Means Danger

Umbilical artery Doppler significantly reduces perinatal mortality in IUGR fetuses.

While decreased diastolic flow shows rising placental resistance, reversed end-diastolic velocity is a catastrophic finding.

It indicates an advanced stage of placental compromise, directly associated with the obliteration of over 70% of the arterioles in the placental tertiary villi.

Clinical Bottom Line: Prepare for immediate or highly expedited delivery when reversed end-diastolic flow is identified, as the fetus is at imminent risk of severe hypoxia or demise.