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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Doppler changes as the earliest parameter in fetal surveillance to detect fetal compromise in intrauterine
Insights
Doppler velocimetry offers a better and earlier detection of fetal compromise in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) than biophysical profile (BPP). This noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring is crucial for managing IUGR pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal medicine
- Fetal monitoring
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects 3-10% of infants, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
- Fetal growth disturbances necessitate effective monitoring strategies.
- Doppler velocimetry provides insight into fetal responses to intrauterine stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of biophysical profile (BPP) and Doppler velocimetry in detecting fetal compromise in IUGR fetuses.
- To determine which method serves as a superior and earlier predictor of fetal compromise.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involved 50 singleton pregnancies with IUGR (28-42 weeks gestation).
- Expectant management included nonstress testing, amniotic fluid assessment, BPP, and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry.
- Fetal compromise was assessed through Apgar scores, NICU stay, necrotizing enterocolitis, and birth weight.
Main Results:
- 10% (5/50) of fetuses experienced poor outcomes.
- Fetuses with abnormal BPP had a 50% rate of poor outcomes.
- Fetuses with normal BPP had a 6.5% rate of poor outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Doppler velocimetry enables repetitive, noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring in IUGR pregnancies.
- Doppler technology appears to be a more sensitive indicator of fetal compromise in IUGR compared to BPP.
Introduction:
It is estimated that 3-10% of infants are growth restricted. Growth disturbances may have long-term issues. Doppler allows insight into the fetal response to intrauterine stress.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to detect fetal compromise in intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses by means of biophysical profile (BPP) vis-à-vis Doppler velocimetry studies of the fetal umbilical artery, and to find out which of the two is a better and earlier predictor of fetal compromise.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on a total of 50 singleton pregnancies with IUGR between 28 and 42 weeks of gestation. Study patients were managed expectantly with nonstress testing and amniotic fluid assessment, BPP and Doppler velocimetry studies of the fetal umbilical artery.
Results:
Fetal outcome was poor in 5/50 (10%) of the fetuses, defined as presence of all of the following: poor Apgar test score, neonatal intensive care unit stay, necrotizing enterocolitis, and low birth weight. Of the four with abnormal BPP, 50% had poor fetal outcomes. Out of 46 with normal BPP, 6.5% had poor fetal outcomes.
Conclusion:
Inference drawn from the study is that the Doppler technology provides us the opportunity for repetitive noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring in IUGR pregnancies.
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