ROLE OF DOPPLER INDICES IN THE PREDICTION OF ADVERSE PERINATAL OUTCOME IN PREECLAMPSIA

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the role of doppler indices in the prediction of perinatal outcome in pre eclampsia.

Materials & Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Patna Medical College and Hospital between March 2008-March 2009 on 50 pregnant patients with preeclampsia at ≥32 weeks gestation .All these patients were subjected to a detailed history ,clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Study of fetal vessels was performed serially using a pulsed Doppler ultrasound .Resistance index (RI), pulsatility index(PI) and systolic / diastolic ratio (S/D) were measured in middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA). FL/AC (femur length/abdominal circumference) ratio was also measured.

Results: 30 patients had IUGR(intrauterine growth restriction). The patients with abnormal indices had higher incidence of caesarean delivery(44%), low apgar score(32%), need for admission to NICU(26%)and neonatal complications(24%)as compared to those with normal indices.

Conclusion: Doppler indices were more accurate than FL/AC ratio in the early detection of IUGR. MCA/UA ratios were more accurate than the individual components of MCA and UA.Abnormal Doppler ratios were significant predictors of IUGR and adverse perinatal outcome