[Abnormal uterine perfusion in the second trimester--current pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]

Doppler sonographic measurement of uterine perfusion in second trimester pregnancies is nowadays an established, non-invasive method to assess uteroplacental blood supply and down-stream vascular resistance. This method is able to identify women at risk for subsequent pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation. However, its specificity is limited since not all pregnancies with pathological perfusion develop later complications. At present, there is no additional and independent marker available that could increase the predictive value of uterine Doppler sonography. Therapeutic approaches may improve clinical course and outcome of those high-risk pregnancies but do not target the cause of the disturbed placental development.