Diagnostic validity of the uterine artery pulsatility index and mean velocity in preeclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation

Abstract

Objective: To assess the diagnostic validity of the Doppler uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and mean velocity (MnV) in preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Design: Analytical cross-sectional study performed at the Hospital III Honorio Delgado in Arequipa, Peru, from May 2014 to April 2015. The group of cases consisted of 78 pregnant women with PE of early onset (< 34 weeks), late onset (≥ 34 weeks), IUGR and IUGR with PE, and the control group included 100 pregnant women 20 to 40 weeks gestation, with singleton pregnancies and no complications. PI and MnV of the uterine arteries, averages and diagnostic validity tests were calculated with Doppler ultrasound. MnV sensitivity and specificity were 76.2 and 96.9 respectively in IUGR, and 42.4 and 96.9 respectively in late onset PE. IP sensitivity and specificity were 28.6 and 92.2 respectively in IUGR, and 30.3 and 92.2 respectively in late onset PE. Conclusion: In this study of the uterine artery, Doppler mean velocity had higher sensitivity and specificity than pulsatility index for late onset PE and IUGR.