Doppler and B-mode ultrasonography in biophysical profile scoring

Abstract

Objective: Biophysical profile scoring (BPS) is a valuable antepartum test for establishing fetal well-being, although the time constraint in some clinics limits its extensive use. In this study we attempted to shorten the total test time without excluding any of the test components.

Method: The non-stress test (NST) part of the BPS was performed using simultaneous pulsed wave Doppler and B-mode ultrasonography (duplex NST). It was possible to observe all the components of the BPS during the same period (duplex BPS).

Results: Fifty-four tests were performed on 40 pregnant patients. The mean test time was 14.3 min. A discrepancy was shown between the ultrasonographic observation and the women's perception of the fetal movements in 46% of the tests.

Conclusion: Duplex NST is considered a more reliable test than the classical cardiotocographic NST. Duplex BPS is proposed as an easy-to-perform, compact and time-saving modification to the classical BPS.