Transabdominal uterine arteries Doppler at 12-14th and 20-24th week of gestation and pregnancy outcome: a prospective study

Abstract

Objective: To identify women at actual risk of pre-eclampsia and poor pregnancy outcome in a selected group of high risk patients.

Study design: Prospective study of women with previous pre-eclampsia and/or intra uterine growth retardation, intra uterine death (> or =20th week), chronic hypertension, three or more previous spontaneous abortions. All subjects were followed-up till pregnancy outcome. Gestational week at delivery and birth weight were recorded. Other outcome measures were: intra uterine growth retardation, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, abruptio placenta, admission in neonatal intensive care unit.

Results: 139 patients were enrolled and followed-up until the end of pregnancy. Abnormal Doppler results at 12-14th week examination were associated with intra uterine growth retardation, fetal death/spontaneous abortion and small for gestational age birth.

Conclusions: This study indicates that early evaluation of arterial uterine RI and presence of notches may be predictive of low birth weight and intra uterine growth retardation in a high risk population.