Establishment of the Role of USG Findings and Colour Doppler Values for Localization of Placenta in Pre-Eclampsia Patients

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem disorder that complicates 3%?8% of pregnancies in Western countries and constitutes a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The uterine artery is identified with the use of colour Doppler ultrasonography. Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography is then used to obtain waveforms. Various indices can be calculated and assessed. Hence; we planned the present study to establish the role of Colour Doppler values for localization of placenta in Pre-eclampsia patients. Materials & methods: A total of 50 patients were scanned at 18-22 week and were followed up till delivery. Determination of location of placenta and uterine artery Doppler was done by ultrasound machine at 18-22 weeks in all the cases at the time of scan. Grey scale ultrasound and colour doppler was performed. All the data were entered in Microsoft excel sheet. Statistical analysis was done using diagnostic tests such as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Chi- square test was used for assessment of level of significance. P- value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The overall incidence of pre-eclampsia was 14 percent. Significant results were obtained while assessing the distribution of patients in relation to Doppler findings and occurrence of pre-eclampsia. In the present study, the overall sensitivity of Doppler in detection of pre-eclampsia was 42.86 percent while overall specificity of pre-eclampsia was 90.70 percent. Conclusion: By identification of the high risk patients & anticipating preeclampsia patients, early monitoring can be started thereby reducing the morbidity and improving the outcome of pregnancy. Also, the patients with abnormal doppler study at 18-24 weeks can be started with prophylactic low dose treatment therapy to reduce the severity of preeclampsia.