Evaluation of the Role of Uterine Artery Color Doppler Ultrasound in the Assessment of Low-Risk Pregnancies and in Predicting their Outcome

Abstract

Introduction: The majority of babies have acceptable growth in the uterus. However, occasionally, fetal growth is influenced by factors other than maternal factors. Doppler ultrasound has been used to study the fetoplacental (umbilical) circulation since 1977 and used to study the uteroplacental (uterine) circulation and fetal circulation since 1980s. In this study, we aim to determine the predictive value of early color Doppler ultrasound for outcomes in low-risk pregnancies.
Material and methods: This prospective cohort study included 176 nonselected low-risk pregnancies in the late second trimester who underwent uterine artery (UA) color Doppler ultrasound. Different ultrasound equipment’s was used, with a frequency of 5 MHz. The UA resistance index was used and compared with normal standards. Complicated pregnancies were excluded.
Results: Of the 176 healthy pregnant cases studied, 47 (26.7%) had abnormal Resistance Index (RI) of the UA and were followed until the end of the pregnancy. The rate of intervention was high in this study group, as shown by the increased caesarean section rate of 114 (64.6%) compared to the vaginal deliveries of 59 (33.7%). The baby’s condition was normal in 169 (96%) after 2 years of follow-up, compared with only 7 (4%) who were unwell.
Conclusion: The data suggest that Doppler evaluation in early low-risk pregnancies has a significant association with the detection of early-onset pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Thus, assessing low-risk pregnancies with early Doppler assessment may improve perinatal outcomes. The study supports the use of UA Doppler at least one time in low-risk pregnancies to discover and treat the cases of sudden and unknown causes of fetal growth restriction and loss.