Middle Uterine Artery Research Articles

Модель прогнозу перебігу та результату вагітності

The significance of predicting preterm births is determined by their consistently high frequency, high perinatal mortality of premature babies, significant labor and economic costs associated with their care, and the risk of child disability. Based on the analysis of modern literature, we established that most of the predictive methods used in modern obstetrics require additional examinations, financial costs and a certain amount of time, which reduces their effectiveness in cases of the threat of preterm birth. The purpose of the work was to develop and test prediction models of the outcome of pregnancy according to the indicators of laboratory and instrumental studies. Material and methods. The most informative indicators of the health state of 83 pregnant women (41 of them was with a favorable pregnancy outcome and 42 women were with preterm birth and / or antenatal fetal death) were selected to develop prediction models of the outcome of pregnancy (urgent or preterm birth). The models were tested using indicators of 17 pregnant women (11 with urgent birth and 6 with preterm birth). In all women, laboratory and instrumental indicators were determined in accordance with the existing standard of management of pregnancy. Fuzzy logic was used to develop prediction models of the outcome of pregnancy. Results and discussion. Using statistical criteria showed that the outcome of pregnancy in women without signs of threat of preterm birth was associated with the values of clinical (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and biochemical (content of aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin) blood tests, biochemical screening (content of estriol, plasma protein-A, associated with pregnancy), indicators of ultrasound (blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery and right uterine artery). In women with signs of threat of preterm birth, informative indicators were the content of estriol and bilirubin in the blood, as well as the value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Model-A, built on the basis of indicators of biochemical screening, had an overall accuracy of 84%, 86% of sensitivity, and 82% of specificity, which indicated a fairly high probability of identifying pregnant women, who were predicted both urgent and preterm birth from the entire sample. Model C, built on the basis of indicators of Doppler measurements, showed an overall accuracy of 96.4%, 100% of sensitivity and 94% of specificity, which allowed using it to predict the outcome of pregnancy. Model-AC, which uses the results of models A and C, allows classifying women by pregnancy without errors, i.e. the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of such a combined model was 100%. Model-D for predicting preterm birth in pregnant women with signs of threat of abortion and/or preterm birth was synthesized according to the indicators of clinical and biochemical blood tests, taking into account the concentration of estriol. Testing of the model-D showed an overall accuracy of 96.3%, 100% of sensitivity, and 86% of specificity, which indicates a sufficiently high probability of identifying pregnant women, who were predicted both urgent and preterm birth. Conclusion. Using the developed prediction models will allow diagnosing and predicting preterm birth in each pregnant woman individually at an early (preclinical) stage, which contributes to the timely implementation of precaution measures to prevent the development of preterm birth

A descriptive angiographic study of the uterine arteries during pregnancy, the postpartum period and CEH/pyometra in bitches.

The aim of this descriptive study was to monitor the changes in uterine arteries during pregnancy, postpartum period and pyometra in bitches using angiography. Fifteen uteri of mixed breed bitches on days 24, 30, 33, 40, 43, 47, 50 and 56 of pregnancy and weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7-8 of postpartum and two CEH/pyometra bitches were examined after ovariohysterectomy. The results showed that with the onset of normal pregnancy and in about 30±1days of gestation, anastomoses begin to form between the left and right middle uterine arteries, developing during the next days and continuing until 4weeks postpartum. On 4th week after parturition, when physiologic changes occur and the uterus returns to non-pregnant conditions, these anastomoses begin to degenerate, and they completely disappear approximately on the 7th-8th week after parturition. Similarly, in CEH/pyometra bitches, anastomoses were formed between left and right median uterine arteries. These findings can be considered as a part of the physiological changes of the uterus and its vessels during pregnancy and postpartum periods and could affect the results and interpretation of relevant findings.

Higher doses of Melatonin affect ovarian and middle uterine arteries vascular blood flow and induce oestrus earlier in acyclic ewes.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single intramuscular injection of melatonin on response of oestrus, rate of conception, ovarian and uterine blood supply during the non-breeding season. Melatonin powder was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and olive oil and injected in two dose of 25mg (MEL-1; n=10) and 50mg (MEL-2; n=10) in May. Ten ewes were served as the control (CON). Results showed that oestrous response was higher in the MEL-2 group than in other groups (p<.01). The time to onset of oestrus in both the MEL-1 and MEL-2 groups was significantly shorter, compared with the CON group (p<.01). Pregnancy rates reached 80% and 90% at 45days of gestation. Doppler indices of the right and left ovarian artery were lower in the melatonin groups than in normal groups (p<.01). Both Doppler indices in uterine arteries were not different among two treatment groups (p>.05), but there was a significant difference when compared with the CON group (p<.01), no difference found between two treatment group in the Doppler velocities of middle uterine arteries (p>.05). In conclusion, the definite changes in the studied parameters showed two novel findings; (a) the increase in melatonin dose results in increasing the blood flow expressed by increased Doppler velocities in fatty tailed ewes, (b) as well as, melatonin can initiate the breeding season regardless of the season earlier by 1-2months in ewes.

Ovarian and uterine arteries blood flow waveform response in the first two cycles following superstimulation in cows

To investigate the ovarian and uterine blood flow responses, hemodynamic, circulating ovarian hormones and nitric oxide (NO) after end of treatment by Folltropin. Holstein Friesian (12) cows previously synchronized with CIDR underwent Doppler ultrasound after administrating of FSH daily for 4days in eight injections started on day 10 of the second ovulation (day -5). Oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and nitric oxide (NOMs) were measured. During the follicular phase, follicle area and antrum area of the second cycle reached maximum value on the day of ovulation compared with that in the first cycle, while during the luteal phase, both showed a pattern of increase and decrease. The luteal area and total coloured area increased till day 10 in the first and second cycle. The first cycle ipsilateral ovarian artery (Ov.A) had higher pulsatility (PI) (p=.001), resistance (RI) (p=.001), peak velocity (PSV) (p=.009) and lower end-diastolic velocity (EDV) (p=.003) compared with the second cycle. The increased ipsilateral Ov.A PSV (p=.009) was accompanied by lower EDV. The first cycle ipsilateral middle uterine artery (MUA) had higher PI (p=.001) and RI (p=.001), with lower PSV (p=.001) and EDV (p=.001). It was concluded that blood flow of ovarian and middle uterine arteries changed after the end of superstimulation as the increased ipsilateral Ov. A and MUA PSVs accompanied by lower EDV and both Doppler indices that reflect the amount of ovarian and uterine blood flow waveform.

48 Transrectal color Doppler evaluation of umbilicus, placentomes, and uterine vascularity changes throughout pregnancy in Surti buffalo

With an objective to record the appearance, vascularity changes in umbilicus, placentomes, and blood flow to the uterus, adult (age 5-10 yr) Surti buffalo (parity=2-6; n=24) were inseminated during natural oestrus during the breeding season and scanned by transrectal B mode and colour flow mode ultrasonography every 3-4 days till Day 90 of gestation and then at an interval of 15 days for the complete gestation. The umbilical cord was first visible on Day 38; however, colour Doppler wave fronts could first be obtained on Day 46, which became increasingly distinct thereafter. The placentomes could first be identified at Day 76 of gestation. The placentome diameters increased from Day 76 until the month 7 with significant increases (P&amp;lt;0.05) during Day 80, and months 4, 5, and 6 of gestation; thereafter, the increase was not significant. The vascularity of placentomes could also be recognised at Day 76 and this increased with increasing months of gestation. The blood flow to the middle uterine arteries could be identified after month 2 of gestation. The resistive index values of the middle uterine artery ipsilateral to the gravid horn showed an almost linear decline with a significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) drop at months 4 and 9 of gestation. Similarly, resistive index values of the middle uterine artery contra-lateral to the gravid horn revealed a significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) decrease on month 3, 5, and 6. A significant decrease for pulsatility index values of the middle uterine artery ipsilateral to the gravid horn was observed in months 3, 6, and 8 of gestation. However, the pulsatility index values for the middle uterine artery contralateral to the gravid horn showed a nonsignificant decrease. It was concluded that the umbilicus and placentomes are first visible at 38 and 76 days of gestation and the vascularity of the umbilicus, placentomes, and middle uterine artery increases with advancement of gestation in Surti buffalo.

Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow at mid-oestrus during different degree of clinical endometritis in dairy cows.

The present study was aimed at analysing the mid-oestrous uterine blood flow parameters during varying degree of endometritis in dairy cows. Degree of clinical endometritis was adjudged on the basis of visual examination of uterine discharge collected from cows at mid-oestrus, that is mild (slightly turbid; n=13), moderate (turbid with pus flakes; n=14) and severe (milky; n=13). Pulsatility and resistance indices (PI and RI), time average mean velocity (TAMEAN), time average maximum velocity (TAMAX), diameter of the artery, volume of blood flow, Doppler pulse duration (DPD) and systolic upstroke/acceleration time (AT) were measured to study the spectral waveforms at mid-oestrus. Significantly higher (p<.01) PI and RI were found in cows diagnosed with mild degree in comparison with cows diagnosed with moderate and severe degrees of clinical endometritis. There was significantly higher (p<.01) velocity (TAMEAN and TAMAX), volume of blood flow (BFV-TAMEAN, BFV-TAMAX) and DPD in both the middle uterine arteries during moderate and severe degrees of clinical endometritis as compared to mild endometritis. However, significantly higher (p<.01) AT was recorded in cows diagnosed with mild degree as compared to moderate and severe degrees of clinical endometritis. Pearson's correlation analysis has shown that RI was positively correlated with PI and AT in all the groups under study (mild degree, r=.72 and .49; moderate degree, r=.54 and .38; severe degree, r=.90 and .42; p<.05). However, there found significantly negative correlation (p<.05) with other parameters in all the cows irrespective of degree of inflammation. Therefore, it may be deducted that assessment of uterine inflammation can be done with a non-invasive technique known as Doppler sonography which can be useful in adjudging the hemodynamic changes inside uterus and future fertility of dairy cows.

Doppler indices of middle uterine artery as a tool for predicting the fetal status in cattle with uterine torsion and the recovery of uterine blood flow subsequent to detorsion

The aim was assessment of blood flow to uterus in cattle suffering from uterine torsion as a tool for predicting the fetal survivability after detorsion. Dairy cattle (14) with uterine torsion were detorted and fetal delivery was completed within 30 min after detorsion. Doppler sonography of middle uterine artery ipsilateral (IpsiUA) and contralateral (ContUA) to the side of torsion was carried out before uterine detorsion and 30 min after fetal delivery for Doppler indices, viz. blood flow volume (BFV), time-averaged peak velocity (TAP), resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). Before uterine detorsion, RI-IpsiUA and PI-IpsiUA were high in comparison to their values in ContUA. Although RI-IpsiUA and PI-IpsiUA had difference between their values before uterine detorsion and 30 min after fetal delivery, but in contrast, at the same time point, there was no difference in RI-ContUA and PIContUA. In comparison to RI-IpsiUA and PI-IpsiUA before detorsion, their respective values decreased after fetal delivery subsequent to successful detorsion, and were almost similar to their respective post-fetal delivery RIContUA and PI-ContUA. In cases where fetus after detorsion of uterus was delivered dead, in the middle uterine artery ipsilateral to the side of uterine torsion, BFV-IpsiUA and TAP-IpsiUA were low, whereas PI-IpsiUA were high. In conclusion, depicting the blood flow within middle uterine artery using Doppler sonography could be helpful in predicting the viability of fetus in uterine torsion affected cattle and may confirm the resumption of blood flow to uterus subsequent to detorsion.

Mid-estrus uterine blood flow in endometritic and non-endometritic dairy cows using transrectal Doppler ultrasonography

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to derive the comparative quantification of various blood flow parameters in endometritic and non-endometritic dairy cows at mid-estrus. Uterine perfusion was investigated by performing the transrectal Doppler ultrasonography of both the middle uterine arteries in Jersey cows diagnosed with clear uterine discharge and clinical endometritis at mid-estrus. Pulsatility and Resistance indices (PI and RI), Time average mean velocity (TAMEAN), Time average maximum velocity (TAMAX), diameter of the artery and volume of blood flow were measured to study the waveforms. Significantly lower (p < 0.05) PI and RI were found in cows diagnosed with clinical endometritis in comparison to non-endometritic cows. There was significantly higher (p < 0.01) volume and velocity of blood flow (TAMEAN, TAMAX, Blood flow volume (BFV)-TAMEAN and BFV-TAMAX) in both the middle uterine arteries during endometritis as compared to non-endometritic cows. Also, significantly higher (p < 0.05) blood flow velocity and volume (TAMEAN, BFV-TAMEAN and BFV-TAMAX) were recorded in middle uterine artery ipsilateral to dominant follicle as compared to contralateral one in non-endometritic cows. The PI value was positively correlated with RI in endometritic (r = 0.88; p < 0.01) and non-endometritic cows (r = 0.81; p < 0.01) but negatively correlated with other parameters in all the cows irrespective of inflammatory state of uterus.

Curcumin vasorelaxation in uterine artery of goat (Capra hircus) is mediated by differential activation of nitric oxide, prostaglandin I2, soluble guanylyl cyclase, and gap junction communication

Background: Curcumin is a principal active constituent of Curcuma longa and has potential therapeutic application in various disease states. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of vasorelaxatory effects of curcumin in middle uterine artery (MUA) of both pregnant (P) and nonpregnant (NP) Capra hircus (Ch). Materials and Methods: The middle uterine arterial rings (MUA) were mounted in an automatic organ bath attached to a PowerLab data acquisition system. We analyzed the effect of curcumin on signaling mediators of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor: nitric oxide (NO), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), prostaglandin I2(PGI2), and myoendothelial gap junctions (MEGJs). Results:The maximal vasorelaxation response to curcumin (1 ρM–100 μM) induced in phenylephrine- precontracted endothelium intact and denuded MUA rings were 42.58%, 25.12% in NP and 55.49%, 12.66%, in P Ch. In the presence of 1H-(1,2,4) oxadiazolo (4,3,-a) quinoxalin-1-one, the maximal curcumin-induced vasorelaxation (CVR) was inhibited to 20.65%, and 15.81% in MUA of NP and P Ch. In the presence of N.-nitro-L-arginine methyl, indomethacin and combination of both CVR were decreased to 20.49%, 12.47%, 12.82% in MUA ring of NP and to 40.60%, 52.55%, 46.53% in MUA ring of P Ch, respectively. The sensitivity of curcumin to MEGJ blockers carbenoxolone, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid in causing vasorelaxation was 33.18%, 22.61% in MUA rings of NP, and to 15.76%, 18.54% in P Ch. Conclusion: In P Ch, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to curcumin is augmented by two-fold as that of MUA of NP. Endothelial vasorelaxation in MUA of NP is mediated through the activation of cyclooxygenase-PGI2-cyclic adenosine monophosphate and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling with low activation of sGC and MEGJ. In contrast, vasorelaxation to curcumin is mediated through increased activity of sGC and MEGJ with major involvement of eNOS-NO-sGC-cGMP in MUA of P Ch. These studies have strong implications in the therapeutic targeting for hypertensive disorders.

Performance of computerized cardiotocography-based short-term variation in late-onset small-for-gestational-age fetuses and reference ranges for the late third trimester

Fetal Doppler changes are well characterized in early-onset small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) but less well characterized where the condition is late-onset. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of computerized CTG (cCTG)-based short-term variation (STV) in late-onset SGA and FGR as an additional monitoring modality and to establish STV reference ranges in late third trimester healthy pregnancies. Of 86 late-onset SGA fetuses diagnosed after 32weeks, 66 were diagnosed with FGR. 138 healthy pregnancies acted as controls. All underwent umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), middle cerebral artery PI, cerebroplacental ratio and mean uterine artery PI. cCTG recordings were analyzed by Sonicaid FetalCare software for STV calculation as described by Dawes/Redman. Median interval between inclusion and delivery was 13 (interquantile range = 4-30) days in the FGR group, 22 (12-37) days in the SGA group and 25 (10-40) days in the control group. STV was not different between controls (11.2ms, 9.7-13.1), late-onset SGA (11.2ms, 8.1-12.6) and FGR (10.5ms, 8.5-12.4) fetuses. A greater proportion of late-onset SGA fetuses had STV < 5th percentile (7/86) compared to controls (4/138) (8.1% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.077). In the control group a significant positive correlation was seen between STV, and 1-min (ρ = 0.195, p = 0.026), 5-min (ρ = 0.247, p = 0.004) and 10-min (ρ = 0.211, p = 0.014) Apgar values. We report no significant difference in STV median values between controls, SGA and FGR pregnancies. However, more SGA fetuses had a low STV compared to controls. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to investigate if low STV is a useful surveillance method for late-onset FGR.

Vasorelaxation Caused by Eugenol, Curcumin and Nanocurcumin is Partially Mediated by Activation of Aminoguanidine-sensitive iNOS in the Middle Uterine Artery of Non-pregnant and Pregnant Capra hircus

Natural products like eugenol and curcumin have been reported to control hypertension. The purpose of our study was to examine the role of iNOS in eugenol/curcumin/nanocurcumin–induced vasorelaxation in the middle uterine artery (MUA) obtained from non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) Capra hircus ( Ch). The MUA rings were mounted in an automatic organ bath attached to a powerlab data acquisition system. Vasorelaxation was induced by eugenol/curcumin/nanocurcumin in either the absence or presence of aminoguanidine in phenylephrine precontracted MUA rings. The vasorelaxation response was recorded isometrically by a highly sensitive isometric force transducer automatic organ bath connected to powerlab and analysed using Labchart 7.1.3 software. The maximal vasorelaxation (Rmax) obtained from eugenol, curcumin and nanocurcumin -induced concentration related contractile response elicited in PE- precontracted ED+ MUA rings was 49.5%, 42.6%, and 40.4% in NP, and 79.5%, 55.5%, and 44.1% in P Ch. Aminoguanidine attenuated the Rmax of eugenol, curcumin and nanocurcumin to 28.2%, 28.5%, and 16.4% in MUA of NP, and 57.2%, 57.4%, and 38.0% in MUA of P Ch, respectively. The results demonstrated that vasorelaxation to (i) Eugenol is partly mediated by partial activation of aminoguanidine-sensitive iNOS in the uterine artery and this pathway is augmented in pregnancy, (ii) Nanocurcumin is mediated by activation of aminoguanidine-sensitive iNOS in the uterine artery of NP, but not in P Ch and (iii) Curcumin is mediated by minimal activation of aminoguanidine sensitive iNOS only in the uterine artery of NP, but not in P Ch. In conclusion, eugenol and nanocurcumin possess a greater potential than curcumin in the control of hypertension due to partial activation of iNOS. These nutraceuticals could be useful to improve blood flow to the uterus to maintain oestrus cycle, maternal and fetal health.

Scopolamine for uterine involution of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of scopolamine (a parasympatholytic drug) immediately after delivery, on uterine involution in dairy cows. The cows were divided into two groups: group T (treated with scopolamine butylbromide 40 mg/100 kg P.V., within 24 h of delivery) and group C (treated with 2 ml/q of saline solution). The cows were monitored at T0, within 24 h of delivery, T7, T14, T28 and T40 respectively 7th, 14th, 28th and 40th day postpartum, by measuring the levels of hydroxyproline (HYP), an important marker of uterine involution; by ultrasound examination for the measurement of the diameter of uterine horns and of blood flow in the middle uterine artery; and by evaluation of reproductive indices. HYP showed higher concentrations in the T group than in the C group at all times, but the difference was significant at T7 and T40. Uterine diameters were reduced from T7 to T40, with lower values in the T group, as compared to the C group; the pulsatility index (PI) of the middle uterine artery increased in the T group compared to the C group, with a statistically significant difference at T7. There was a better conception-delivery interval and higher pregnancy rate in the T group compared to the C group. It is likely that scopolamine blocked the uterine contractions in postpartum, for the duration of its half-life. After cessation of its pharmacological effect, the uterus may have started to contract more effectively. These results suggested that scopolamine could be useful as a pharmacological approach to postpartum management.

Angiography of ovarian and uterine vessels of the dog

A thorough knowledge about anastomoses between uterine and ovarian arteries could have great impact in surgical interventions. The present study aimed to use an angiographic procedure to show the vascular relationship between uterus and ovaries, possible anastomoses between uterine arteries during pregnancy, blood supply to gestational sacs, and the vascular pattern in the uterus of a bitch with pyometra. Uteri from 6 dogs (3 non-pregnant, 2 pregnant, and one with a pyometra uterus) were collected after ovariohysterectomy. A suspension of barium sulfate was injected into the middle uterine artery and, dorso-ventral radiographs were taken. In non-pregnant uteri, a contrast medium flowed into the middle uterine artery and, after covering all of its branches, the medium entered the ovarian parenchymal vessels. In addition, in the 35-day pregnant uteri, by injecting the contrast medium into the middle uterine artery of one horn the contralateral middle uterine artery received the media once the arteries of the initial horn were filled. The results showed some anastomoses between arteries of the two horns at this age of the pregnancy. The blood circulation of the gestational sacs in each uterine horn started from the base of the horn and continued to the apex. In conclusion, there are anastomoses between uterine and ovarian arteries in non-pregnant, and between arteries of different uterine horns in pregnant bitch.

Curcumin and nanocurcumin differentially activate TRPV1 channels in non-pregnant and pregnant middle uterine artery of Capra hircus

Curcumin and nanocurcumin differentially activate TRPV1 channels in non-pregnant and pregnant middle uterine artery of Capra hircus

The clinical value of maternal and fetal Doppler parameters in low-risk postdates pregnancies – a prospective study

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the clinical significance of maternal and fetal ultrasound Doppler flow indices in postdates pregnancies.Methods: This prospective study comprised 120 low-risk pregnant women beyond 40 weeks of gestation. All participants underwent Doppler assessment including of fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA), umbilical, and uterine arteries. Perinatal outcomes were recorded and evaluated for possible associations with Doppler flow values. Adverse perinatal outcomes were defined as umbilical cord arterial pH <7.1, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, neonatal admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, and emergency cesarean section due to abnormal intrapartum cardiotocogramResults: Adverse perinatal outcome rate was 17.5% (n = 21). Doppler indices of umbilical artery, MCA, uterine artery and the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) did not differ significantly between pregnant women with and without adverse perinatal outcomes. Neonatal birth weight was found to correlate negatively with umbilical artery Doppler indices, including the peak systolic to end diastolic ratio (p = .04), the resistance index (p = .02), and the pulsatility index (p = .01). Doppler values of the uterine artery, MCA and CPR did not correlate with neonatal birth weight.Conclusions: The contribution of maternal and fetal ultrasound Doppler to the prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes in low-risk postdates pregnancies is low. Hence, performing routine Doppler examination as part of postdates pregnancy assessments is unlikely to yield significant clinical benefit.

Whether Peripartum Nutritional Supplementation Influence the Uterine Involution and Postpartum Fertility in Crossbred Cows

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of peripartum nutrients supplementation on uterine involution and postpartum fertility in crossbred cows. Twenty healthy advanced pregnant HF crossbred cows between 2-4 parity of identical body size were included in the study from two weeks prepartum to 8 weeks postpartum. They were equally divided into control (routine farm feeding-RFF) and treatment (RFF + bypass fat @ 100-200 g/h/day + ASMM @ 50 g/h/day) groups. Animals of both the groups were subjected to per rectal as well as ultrasonographic examinations at weekly intervals from day 7 till day 42 postpartum. On day 7 postpartum, gravid and non-gravid uterine horns in all animals were lying cranial and ventral to pelvic brim in abdominal cavity as large, soft, flabby water bag like structures. The cervical and uterine horn diameters and wall thickness showed a significant decreasing trend from day 7 to 28-35 postpartum with gaining tonicity and elasticity, yet the differences between groups were non-significant. The walls of the cervix and uterus appeared as bright hyperechoic structure, while lumens were found hypoechoic with bright hyperechoic spots. The middle uterine arteries were represented as dark circular anechoic structures and the caruncles as a bright hyperechoic structures. The diameter of artery reduced significantly (p<0.05) in the days postpartum. The gross involution of the uterus was observed to be completed by 24.50±1.14 and 23.80±1.14 days, while the complete uterine involution occurred by days 31.97±1.82 and 30.27±1.41 with occurrence of first estrus postpartum in 42.32±4.14 and 38.00±1.95 days (p<0.05) for control and nutrient supplemented groups, respectively. The service period (85 vs 100 days) and pregnancy rate (80 vs 60%) were non-significantly better in treatment than control group. Thus it can be asserted that the peripartum nutrient supplementation yielded no beneficial effect on uterine involution, but enhanced postpartum fertility in optimally fed and managed crossbred cows.

Predicting the Impact of Degree and Duration of Uterine Torsion on Uterine Blood Supply in Cattle using Doppler Ultrasonography

The aim of study was doppler ultrasonography-aided assessment of uterine blood flow in relation to duration and degree of uterine torsion in cattle. Fourteen dairy cattle with uterine torsion were detorted and fetal delivery was completed after detorsion. Six live and eight dead calves were delivered by cattle having torsion from lesser and prolonged duration, respectively. Whereas the dams of majority of live (n = 4/6) or dead (n = 5/8) fetus had uterine torsion ≤180° or >180°, respectively. Doppler ultrasonography of middle uterine artery ipsilateral (IpsiUA) and contralateral (ContUA) to the side of torsion was carried out before uterine detorsion for doppler indices viz. blood flow volume (BFV), time-average peak velocity (TAP), resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). With increase in degree and duration of torsion, BFV in both IpsiUA and ContUA reduced significantly (p<0.05) but TAP decreases only with increase in duration of torsion. In ipsilateral uterine artery PI (PI-IpsiUA) increased with an increase in duration of torsion (p<0.05). The presence of Pre-diastolic notch in IpsiUA and ContraUA validates the hindrance in blood flow through the vessel and absence of diastole in higher degree and/or duration of uterine torsion defined the severity of torsion which further relates to fetal viability. In conclusion, assessing the blood flow parameters of middle uterine artery in relation to degree and duration of uterine torsion can serve as useful prognostic indicator. The cattle having lesser degree of uterine torsion could have more chances of fetal survival due to lesser alterations in blood flow.

58-OR

Objectives To compare the efficacy of intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine in treatment of acute maternal hypertension and study the fetal and maternal hemodynamic changes using color Doppler ultrasound that follows treatment Methods Thirty women with severe preeclampsia having acute hypertension (more than or equal to 160/105 mmHg) were randomized in 2 groups to receive intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine until blood pressure was lowered to less than or equal to 140/90 mmHg. Doppler vascular indices namely pulsatility index, resistance index, S/D ratio of umbilical (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), maternal uterine and renal artery were measured baseline at the time of acute severe hypertension and repeated after control of blood pressure, to assess the changes in maternal and fetal hemodynamic status with labetalol or nifedipine. Results Both nifedipine and labetalol were found to be effective when used for rapid control of blood pressure. The median time to achieve target blood pressure was 20 min in labetalol group and 30 min in nifedipine group (p = 0.348). Mean age of women in both groups and mean gestational age was statistically comparable. Although labetalol caused more reduction in maternal heart rate after treatment (p = 0.058) which was insignificant compared to nifedipine which had no effect on maternal heart rate. No change in fetal heart rate before and after treatment was observed in both groups, Doppler vascular indices of UA and MCA showed no significant changes as compared to baseline values in both groups. Maternal uterine and renal artery Doppler showed no significant change following labetalol or nifedipine treatment. Conclusions Labetalol and nifedipine use was not related to any significant changes in fetal Doppler, which is reassuring about the safety of these drugs when treating acute severe hypertension in pregnancy. Choice between these two drugs should be based on cost, availability respective contraindications, and clinician’s experience. Disclosures S. Gainder: None. M. Thakur: None. S.C. Saha: None. M. Prakash: None.

Uterine blood flow during various stages of pregnancy in dairy buffaloes using transrectal Doppler ultrasonography

Reference data to assess function and perfusion of uteroplacental tissues by assessment of uterine blood flow parameters is not available in buffaloes. The objective of the present study was to assess and quantify blood flow parameters at various stages of gestation. A total of 54 Murrah buffaloes, six animals at every month of gestation, from two months to ten months, were subjected to transrectal Doppler ultrasonography to assess uterine blood flow in both the middle uterine arteries. Resistance and pulsatility indices, velocity and volume of blood flow, diameter of the artery and notch signal were measured for different waveforms. The resistance index value was positively correlated with pulsatility index (r=0.94, P<0.05) but negatively correlated with all other parameters for both arteries, ipsilateral and contralateral to the fetus. With a significant advancement of pregnancy, there was reduction in resistance index with a significant increase in velocity, volume of blood flow and diameter in both arteries. There was a significant increase in the volume and velocity of blood flow (P<0.05) during the last trimester with increased growth demands of the fetus. The notch signal disappeared by 20–24 weeks. Thus, transrectal Doppler ultrasongraphy proved to be a useful non-invasive method to assess the uterine blood flow during pregnancy in buffaloes. This could be a valuable tool to ascertain hemodynamic changes in complicated pregnancy (e.g. abnormalities in uterine blood flow/placenta/fetus) and its extent of deviation from normal.

Validation of color Doppler ultrasonography for evaluating the uterine blood flow and perfusion during late normal pregnancy and uterine torsion in buffaloes

The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of color Doppler ultrasonography for diagnosis of degree and duration of uterine torsion in buffaloes. In Assiut province/Upper Egypt, 65 buffaloes (37 with uterine torsion, 28 with normal late pregnancy) were examined clinically and using Doppler ultrasonography. The Doppler indices including resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), and blood flow volume (BFV) in the arteries ipsilateral to the uterine torsion (IPUT) and in arteries contralateral to the uterine torsion (COUT) were recorded. Methods of correction were documented along with dam and calf survival. Torsion was recorded postcervically with vaginal involvement in 35/37 (94.6%) of the cases. The degrees of uterine torsion were light and high in 9/37 (24.3%) and 28/37 (75.7%) of the cases, respectively (P = 0.001). Right uterine torsion was present in 36/37 (97.3%) of the cases (P = 0.0001). Pulsatility index, RI, TAMV, and BFV in IPUT and COUT did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in normal late pregnancy. The PI and RI in IPUT were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in COUT, and the TAMV and BFV in IPUT were less (P < 0.001) than that in COUT in uterine torsion. The PI and RI of torsion cases in IPUT were higher (P < 0.001) than that in normal pregnancy. Time-averaged maximum velocity and BFV in torsion cases were lower (P < 0.01) than that of normal pregnancy in IPUT. There was approximately 50% of RI and PI higher than in light degree uterine torsion in IPUT (P < 0.001). Consequently, TAMV and BFV were greatly lower (P < 0.0001) than that in light degree in IPUT. Pulsatility index and RI were positively correlated (r = 0.856; P < 0.001) with the duration and degree of the uterine torsion, and TAMV and BFV were negatively correlated (r = −0.763; P < 0.001). In all cases of uterine torsion the uterine flow velocity waveform showed high systolic flow and absence of early diastolic flow and poor uterine and placentomal blood perfusion. In conclusion, depicting blood flow within the middle uterine artery using color Doppler sonography could be helpful in correct diagnosis of duration and degree of uterine torsion and concurrently predicting the viability of the fetus and dam.