Serial evaluation for myocardial performance in fetuses and neonates using a new Doppler index

Fetal echocardiography has been used for non-invasive evaluation of human fetal cardiac anatomy, function and hemodynamics. The Tei index, a new Doppler index known to be independent of both ventricular geometry and heart rate, has recently been applied to the evaluation of myocardial performance.In the present study, the Tei index was prospectively and longitudinally determined in 50 normal fetuses, 35 fetuses with intrauterine growth...