Estimation of various color doppler indices in low and high risk preterm pregnancies

Background: Fetal arterial and venous doppler studies help in identification of the foetuses at risk for perinatal complications and may help in prediction of the fetal acid base status or neonatal complications. Aim: To estimate various color doppler indices in low and high risk preterm pregnancies. Material and methods: Study comprised of 60 patients which was an observational, descriptive hospital based study. The study was divided into 2 groups: High risk group (n=30) and Low risk group (n=30). Color doppler scanners (Philips envisor HD7, HD9 and GE logic P5 ultrasound machine), was used with 3.5 Mhz curvilinear array and following Doppler Velocimetry were assessed - Uterine artery, Umbilical artery, Middle cerebral artery, Umbilical vein, Uterine vein and Ductus Venosus. Results: Gestational age (in weeks) at examination was (31.89+2.69) in low risk group as compared to (29.25+1.96) in high risk group. Gestational age (in weeks) at delivery was (36.2+1.78) in low risk group as compared to (29.83+1.86) in high risk group. In low risk group uterine artery doppler show decrease in PI, RI and S/D ratio with increasing gestation as compared to increasing PI, RI and S/D ratio in the high risk group. Significant differences for the mean for PI, RI and S/D ratio were seen (p<0.001). Conclusion: Doppler investigation of the fetal circulation play an important role in monitoring high risk pregnancies and thereby help to determine optimal time for delivery. Hence, the use of doppler provides information that is not readily obtained from more conventional test for fetal wellbeing. Therefore it has a role to play in management of high risk pregnancies.