The Influence of Hyperoxygenation on Fetal Brain Vascularity Measured Using 3D Power Doppler Ultrasound and the Index "Fractional Moving Blood Volume".

Introduction: Maternal hyperoxygenation effects on fetal cerebral hemodynamics are largely unknown. This study aimed to determine efficacy and reliability of a validated power Doppler ultrasound (US) index, fractional moving blood volume (FMBV), at measuring fetal cerebral vasculature changes during maternal hyperoxia.

Methods: The fetal cerebral effects of 10 min of hyperoxygenation at 2 flow rates (52%/60% FiO2) were evaluated in women in their third trimester of pregnancy.