Fetal myocardial performance index in pregnancies with idiopathic mildly increased amniotic fluid volume

To evaluate modified myocardial performance index (MPI), or Tei index, in fetuses of pregnancies with idiopathic mildly increased amniotic fluid index (AFI).

We studied 25 cases (24-40 weeks) with idiopathic mildly increased AFI, and 25 gestational age- and fetal gender-matched healthy controls. Fetal echocardiographic variables and Doppler-derived indices were recorded, including left and right MPI, left isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), left ejection time (ET), left isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), aortic and pulmonary arterial peak systolic velocity (PSV), left and right E/A ratios, middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI), and umbilical artery (UA) PI.

The mean left MPI (0.52 vs 0.41, P < .0001) and right MPI (0.50 vs 0.42, P < .001) were higher, and mean IVCT (37.7 vs 25.9, P < .0001) was longer in cases than in controls. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in IVRT (45.2 vs 43.2, P = .381), ET (160.2 vs 170.0, P = .079), aortic PSV (P = .073), left E/A (P = .080), pulmonary artery PSV (P = .061), right E/A (P = .054), MCA PI (P = .259), UA PI (P = .685), and cerebroplacental ratio (P = .645).

Pregnancies with idiopathic mildly increased AFI were associated with a significant increase in the fetal MPI of both left and right ventricles.