An effect of maternal nifedipine therapy on fetoplacental blood flow: a prospective study.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of maternal nifedipine administration on placental and fetal blood flow. A total of 29 patients with preterm labor diagnosis admitted to the tertiary care center, Zeynep Kamil Hospital, were evaluated. Before and 24-48h after administration of oral nifedipine, Doppler ultrasound scan was carried out to measure fetal middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, umbilical artery, and maternal uterine artery blood flow. After 24 and 48h of therapy, there were no changes in mean PI and RI in the umbilical arteries and ductus venosus (p > 0.05). Fetal middle cerebral artery and maternal uterine artery PI and RI values showed a significant reduction 24-48h after oral nifedipine therapy (p < 0.05). Our study showed that 24 and 48h after oral nifedipine therapy, there is a significant increase in fetal MCA and maternal uterine artery blood flow, while fetal umbilical artery and ductus venosus Doppler values do not change.