Transabdominal uterine arteries Doppler at 12–14th and 20–24th week of gestation and pregnancy outcome: A prospective study☆

Abstract 

Objective

To identify women at actual risk of pre-eclampsia and poor pregnancy outcome in a selected group of high risk patients.

Study design

Prospective study of women with previous pre-eclampsia and/or intra uterine growth retardation, intra uterine death (≥20th week), chronic hypertension, three or more previous spontaneous abortions. All subjects were followed-up till pregnancy outcome. Gestational week at delivery and birth weight were recorded. Other outcome measures were: intra uterine growth retardation, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, abruptio placenta, admission in neonatal intensive care unit.

Results

139 patients were enrolled and followed-up until the end of pregnancy. Abnormal Doppler results at 12–14th week examination were associated with intra uterine growth retardation, fetal death/spontaneous abortion and small for gestational age birth.

Conclusions

This study indicates that early evaluation of arterial uterine RI and presence of notches may be predictive of low birth weight and intra uterine growth retardation in a high risk population.

Keywords: Prenatal ultrasonography, Doppler, Pregnancy outcome, High risk pregnancy