[Fetal hypotrophy dopplerometry]

The aim of the study was the longitudinal analysis of the progression of dopplerometric abnormalities in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) since the onset of placental insufficiency.

Prospective study.

Dept. of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Olomouc.

The study group consisted of 77 pregnat women with intrauterine growth retardation resulting from placental insufficiency. Of these, in 59 women, the intervals of progression were followed from the early to the advanced dopplerometric abnormalities. According to the findings the patients were classified into one of the three types of placental insufficiency.

In total, 486 dopplerometric measurements in 77 pregnant patients were performed. Mild placental insufficiency where abnormality of umbilical artery (UA) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) did not exceed 3 SD and the progressive interval was 31 days was found in 21 pregnat patients. Progressive placental insufficiency with a whole spectrum of abnormalities and the progressive interval of 18 days was found in 28 pregnat patients. Severe form of placental insufficiency (early onset of abnormalities before the 30th gestational week) a whole spectrum of abnormalities and progressive interval 8 days was found in 10 pregnat patients.

Gestational week at the occurence of the first abnormality (elevation of the pulsatility index of UA over 2 SD) and the time interval to next abnormality (decrease of CPR under 2 SD) are important factors for the assessment of severity of placental insufficiency. Dynamic follow-up of abnormalities permits a better evaluation of the actual risk, the anticipation of the further development of placental insufficiency and in this way to apply suitable measures to prevent unfavourable perinatal outcomes.