Research Article
Evaluation of the Ultrasound Doppler Parameters of Foetal Vessels in Pregnancies with Suspected Intrauterine Growth Retardation: A Prospective Study
Metya S1* and Madan M2
1Post Graduate Trainee, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata, India
2Professor of Radiology, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata India
2Professor of Radiology, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata India
*Corresponding author:Subha Metya, Post Graduate Trainee, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kolkata, India-mail Id: subhametya007@gmail.com
Copyright:©2024 Metya S, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Information:Submission: 07/01/2024; Accepted: 23/02/2024; Published: 28/02/2024
Abstract
Objective:This study investigates fetal hemodynamic changes in Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR), evaluates Dopplerchanges in fetal arteries, and examines their association with adverse perinatal outcomes.
Materials and Methods:A prospective observational study in tertiary care medical college &hospital (Nov 2022 - Jun 2023) included 50 IUGR-suspected pregnancies. Criteria included singleton pregnancies over 24 weeks gestation with fetal weight below the 10th percentile. Doppler indices measured were pulsatility index (PI) for the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and thoracic aorta, along with cerebroplacental ratio. Outcomes assessed were gestational age at delivery, cesarean section, birth weight, NICU admissions, and perinatal deaths.
Results:Abnormal PIs were found in 34% (umbilical artery), 38% (middle cerebral artery), and 26% (thoracic aorta) of cases. An abnormal cerebroplacental ratio was observed in 13 cases. There was a significant link between abnormal Doppler findings and increased cesarean sections, NICU admissions, and perinatal deaths, with the highest risks associated with abnormal cerebroplacental ratios and reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery.
Conclusion:Abnormal Doppler indices in the middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery, and thoracic aorta significantly correlate with adverse perinatal outcomes in IUGR pregnancies. The highest association with adverse outcomes, including perinatal death, is seen with abnormal cerebroplacental ratios. This study highlights the critical role of Doppler ultrasonography in managing IUGR pregnancies, suggesting the need for further large-scale studies.
Materials and Methods:A prospective observational study in tertiary care medical college &hospital (Nov 2022 - Jun 2023) included 50 IUGR-suspected pregnancies. Criteria included singleton pregnancies over 24 weeks gestation with fetal weight below the 10th percentile. Doppler indices measured were pulsatility index (PI) for the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and thoracic aorta, along with cerebroplacental ratio. Outcomes assessed were gestational age at delivery, cesarean section, birth weight, NICU admissions, and perinatal deaths.
Results:Abnormal PIs were found in 34% (umbilical artery), 38% (middle cerebral artery), and 26% (thoracic aorta) of cases. An abnormal cerebroplacental ratio was observed in 13 cases. There was a significant link between abnormal Doppler findings and increased cesarean sections, NICU admissions, and perinatal deaths, with the highest risks associated with abnormal cerebroplacental ratios and reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery.
Conclusion:Abnormal Doppler indices in the middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery, and thoracic aorta significantly correlate with adverse perinatal outcomes in IUGR pregnancies. The highest association with adverse outcomes, including perinatal death, is seen with abnormal cerebroplacental ratios. This study highlights the critical role of Doppler ultrasonography in managing IUGR pregnancies, suggesting the need for further large-scale studies.
Keywords:Intrauterine Growth Retardation; Doppler Ultrasonography; Perinatal Outcomes; Cerebroplacental Ratio