Umbilical artery blood flow velocity in pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus.

Purpose: We evaluated the role of umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in the surveillance of pregnancies complicated by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: We retrospectively studied 56 women with SLE whose pregnancies were managed at our perinatal center between 1988 and 1995.

Results: Absent or reversed end-diastolic flow velocity was detected in 6 (11%) of 56 patients. This sub-group of patients had an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, cesarean section, and preterm delivery.

Conclusions: A high incidence (11%) of abnormal umbilical artery waveforms was detected. This finding was associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications.