Role of Uterine Artery Doppler to Predict Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Abstract

Introduction: Early screening for preeclampsia and IUGR using Doppler ultrasound may allow vigilant antenatal surveillance, early diagnosis, proper treatment, and appropriate timing of fetal delivery in order to avoid serious sequelae. The present study was to evaluate the predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of uterine artery Doppler at18-20 weeks of gestation with regards to the development of preeclampsia using pulsatility index as a parameter. Methods: A total of 100 females between 18-20 wks of gestation were included in the present Prospective observational study was carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology department at tertiary care hospital from June 2010 to June 2012. Results: In the low-risk group, an early diastolic notch was present in 5(10%) females, out of these 3(60%) developed PIH, and 4(80%) developed IUGR.  The pulsatility index was abnormal in 8(16%) women. Out of these 5(62.5%) developed PIH and 3(37.5%) developed IUGR. In the high-risk group, an early diastolic notch was present in 8(16%) females, out of these 7(87.5%) developed PIH, and 6(75%) developed IUGR. The pulsatility index was abnormal in 9(18%) women, where 6(66.6%) developed PIH and 8(88.88%) developed IUGR. Conclusion: Abnormal uterine artery Doppler at 24 weeks of gestation was a statistically significant predictor of PIH in both low-risk and high-risk groups.  Key Words: Doppler, Pre-eclampsia, Pulsatility index, IUGR