Redistribution of fetal blood flow in response to an acute fever episode during pregnancy in comparison with malaria

The objective of the study was to determine if maternal fever during pregnancy alter placental function and induce fetal hypoxia. 31 pregnancies complicated by fever were studied. Uterine (UTRI), umbilical (URI), fetal cerebral (CRI ) Doppler resistance index and amniotic index were measured on admittance (day 0; d0) and after treatment and fever release (day 2 to 4; d2-4). From d0 to d2-4, UTRI decreased in 68% of the cases; the URI decreased in 40% of the cases, and the CRI and the C/U ratio decreased in 45% of the pregnancies. At delivery, complications were not more frequent than usual, while the rate of early uterine contraction (50%) and premature delivery (20%) were higher than usual. An episode of limited duration fever during pregnancy can trigger mild increase in uterine, umbilical and cerebral flow due to the decrease in vascular resistance in the corresponding areas UTRI, URI and CRI (in 68%, 40% and 45% of the cases, respectively).