Effect of maternal anemia on fetal Doppler indices during the last trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal anemia on fetal Doppler indices ; namely, umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery in the last trimester of pregnancy. Patients and Methods: This study was designed as a prospective case control clinical trial carried out in obstetric outpatient clinics and inpatient ward, Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital on 200 patients. The patients must follow these criteria:Gestational age between 28-40 weeks of singleton pregnancy (calculated by their last menstrual period or by earlier ultrasound), fetus is alive and normal fetal ultrasound parameters. Results: The umbilical artery resistance index showed a significant increase in moderate severe anemic patients more than the control group. Umbilical artery pulsatility index showed a significant increase in severe anemic group more than the other 3 groups.Umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio showed a significant increase in severe anemic more than the other groups. Finally, the umbilical artery cerebral/umbilical artery resistance ratio showed a significant increase in severe anemic more than the other groups. Conclusion: GA at delivery in different groups was matched, i.e. there was no statistical significant difference between different studied groups regarding GA at delivery (P > 0.05). Neonatal ICU admission were 2(4%), 2(4%), 4(8%) and 9(18%) in different groups, respectively. There was statistical significant difference between different studied groups regarding Neonatal ICU admission (P < 0.05).