Turkish reference ranges for the left fetal modified myocardial performance index

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Fetal Medicine
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Assessing fetal cardiac function is crucial for monitoring pregnancy health.
• The modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) is a key indicator of ventricular function.
• Establishing population-specific reference ranges is essential for accurate clinical interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To calculate the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) for fetal cardiac left ventricular function.
• To establish reference ranges for Mod-MPI in the Turkish pregnant population.
• To provide a baseline for future research on fetal cardiac pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Included 102 healthy singleton pregnant women (25-39 weeks gestation).
• Measured left fetal Mod-MPI using mitral and aortic valve clicks to define isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and ejection time (ET).
• Excluded participants with chronic systemic diseases or fetal abnormalities.

Main Results:

• The mean Mod-MPI was 0.42±0.10.
• Mean IRT, ICT, and ET were 43.5±10.2, 27.27±8.1, and 170.5±16.9, respectively.
• Significant correlations were observed between Mod-MPI and gestational age, umbilical artery S/D ratio, and middle cerebral artery PI.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable reference ranges for fetal Mod-MPI in the Turkish population.
• These data will serve as a benchmark for future studies on fetal cardiac function.
• The findings are particularly relevant for investigating pathological conditions affecting fetal heart function.