Umbilical Artery Doppler Indices in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Impact on Fetal Outcomes

Abstract

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with increased maternal and fetal risks. Doppler ultrasound indices of the umbilical artery have shown promise in predicting adverse fetal outcomes in HDP patients. This observational study investigated the correlation between abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices and adverse fetal outcomes in HDP patients. Methodology Over a two-year period from 2020 to 2022, in Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, central India, we enrolled 138 pregnant women with HDP beyond 28 weeks of gestation and singleton pregnancies. Comprehensive clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, and Doppler studies of the umbilical artery were performed. Doppler indices assessed included the systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio, resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI). Adverse fetal outcomes were defined based on birth weight and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for analyzing the relationship between qualitative data, while an independent-sample t-test was employed for quantitative data. Results Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices, including an elevated S/D ratio, RI, and PI, demonstrated a positive correlation with adverse fetal outcomes in HDP patients. These findings highlight the significance of umbilical artery Doppler indices as reliable indicators for anticipating adverse fetal outcomes in HDP patients. Conclusions Abnormal Doppler indices in the umbilical artery, including an elevated S/D ratio, RI, and PI, appear to be valuable predictors for adverse fetal outcomes in patients with HDP. Monitoring these indices can aid in risk stratification and improve the management of pregnancies complicated by HDP.

Keywords: adverse fetal outcomes; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (hdp); pulsatility index (pi); resistance index (ri); systolic/diastolic (s/d) ratio; umbilical artery doppler.