Doppler in High-Risk Pregnancy and Its Correlation With Feto-Maternal Outcomes: A Prospective Study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Fetal growth monitoring using Doppler ultrasound is crucial for identifying high-risk pregnancies.
• Doppler studies provide non-invasive hemodynamic information, aiding in the assessment of fetal compromise.
• Timely intervention in high-risk pregnancies improves perinatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate antenatal Doppler findings with perinatal outcomes.
• To assess the relationship between Doppler findings and preterm labor, cesarean section, birth weight, and NICU admission.
• To establish NICU admission as the primary outcome measure.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 100 high-risk pregnant women.
• Inclusion criteria: oligohydramnios, IUGR, PIH, DM, anemia, Rh incompatibility.
• Doppler assessment of umbilical artery, MCA, and uterine arteries; correlation with delivery and fetal outcomes.

Main Results:

• Abnormal Doppler findings were prevalent in PIH, IUGR, and oligohydramnios with IUGR.
• Abnormal Doppler was significantly associated with low birth weight (93.75%) and NICU admissions (81.25%).
• No significant effect of abnormal Doppler on preterm delivery or cesarean section rates was observed.

Conclusions:

• Abnormal Doppler studies in pregnancy correlate with adverse neonatal outcomes like low birth weight and NICU admission.
• Doppler ultrasound is a valuable tool for planning delivery mode and anticipating neonatal care needs.
• The findings support the use of Doppler studies for risk assessment and management in high-risk pregnancies.