Detection of uterine artery hemodynamic changes in patients with gestational hypertension based on Doppler ultrasonography

Abstract

Doppler ultrasonography has great value in detecting the changes in uterine artery hemodynamics in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. In the present study, 50 women with gestational hypertension and 50 normal pregnant women were selected. The comparison of the general data and laboratory examination revealed that the pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and mean arterial pressure were significantly higher in the gestational hypertension group, when compared to the normal group (P < 0.05), while the serum albumin value was significantly lower in the gestational hypertension group, when compared to the normal group (P < 0.05). The Doppler ultrasonography revealed that the S/D, PI and RI values were significantly higher in the gestational hypertension group, when compared to the normal group (P < 0.05). In comparing the pregnancy outcome, the gestational hypertension group had shorter pregnancy termination time, lower birth weight, and more adverse outcomes, such as premature delivery, fetal distress and fetal growth restriction (FGR) (P < 0.05). The multi-variate regression analysis suggested that only the hemodynamic changes of the uterine artery can be used for predicting the outcome of pregnancy. These results revealed that the uterine artery hemodynamics of patients with gestational hypertension present with significant changes, when compared to normal women, which can be used in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Targeted intervention can be provided to women with gestational hypertension to reduce the adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to the ultrasonography results.