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a Chapter 26 Doppler Velocimetry for Fetal Surveillance: Randomized Clinical Trials and Implications for Practice 389<br />

two groups. However, in the study group a significant<br />

decrease was noted in low 5-min Apgar scores [odds<br />

ratio (OR) 0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06±<br />

0.86] and serious neonatal morbidity (OR 0.12, CI<br />

0.02±0.98). The authors concluded that access to Doppler<br />

velocimetry improves the efficacy of fetal surveillance.<br />

Hofmeyr and associates [4] conducted a randomized<br />

trial of umbilical arterial Doppler velocimetry in<br />

897 women (Doppler group 438, control group 459).<br />

The objective was to determine the impact of Doppler<br />

assessment on reducing the need for fetal heart rate<br />

(FHR) monitoring and on the time required for fetal<br />

testing. In the study group initial assessment was by<br />

umbilical arterial resistance index (RI) determination,<br />

and in the fetal heart rate (FHR) group it was done<br />

by computerized FHR analysis. In the Doppler group<br />

66% underwent FHR monitoring, whereas 39% of the<br />

control (FHR) group underwent Doppler velocimetry.<br />

The study design permitted such additional evaluation<br />

using the nonallocated method based on broad<br />

criteria of fetal risk. The study group and the control<br />

group were found to be comparable. It was observed<br />

that the primary Doppler screening did not reduce<br />

the time needed for fetal assessment. There were no<br />

significant differences in perinatal outcome between<br />

the groups, except that emergency cesarean sections<br />

were less frequent in the Doppler group than in the<br />

control group (14% versus 20%, p

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