Reference ranges Of Uterine Artery Doppler Indices (Pulsatility index and Resistivity index) in pregnant women of Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh INDIA

ObjectivePreeclampsia and eclampsia are one of major cause of maternal mortality. Various parameters like pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) of color Doppler are helpful in detection of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The reference ranges of the various parameters like uterine artery PI and RI are mainly from western countries. The reference range for Indian Population is lacking. So the objective of the study is to construct reference range of uterine artery for women from eastern India.Material and MethodIn this study, total 201 pregnant patients were included. Color Doppler of normal pregnant women was done at 18 to 22 weeks and then followed up at 28 to 32 weeks gestation. The uterine artery PI and RI was measured during pregnancy. The obtained data were tabulated and 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentile was calculated. The reference range was constructed according to gestational age starting from 18 to 22 weeks and then from 28 to 34 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.ResultThe main parameter observed are pulsatility and resistivity index of left and right uterine arteries first at 18 to 22 weeks and then followed up at 28 to 34 weeks. Our data suggests that as the gestational age increases both pulsatility and resistivity index decreases. The cut off value for reference range was taken up to 95th percentile. Anything above 95th percentile is abnormal. The reference range for left uterine artery pulsatility index was found to be 1.19 to 1.16 at 18 to 22 weeks, 1.09 at 28 weeks while 0.89 at 34 weeks. Similarly, the reference range for resistivity index was found to be 0.61 at 18 to 22 weeks while it decreases to 0.54 at 28 to 34 weeks.ConclusionReference range of uterine artery doppler indices for the local population is very useful tool to early prediction of Preeclampsia and IUGRs of that population and can aid in timely treatment of mother and baby. Our data shows decrease in pulsatility and resistivity index with increase in the gestational age.

The role of maternal echocardiography and uterine artery Doppler at 11-14 weeks in the prediction of pre-eclampsia in nulliparous women

Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) complicates 2% of pregnancies and may have serious effects on mother and child, which makes it an important threat to public health in both developed and developing countries. Once high-risk women are identified, they can be targeted for more intense prenatal surveillance and preventative measures. Predicting PE in the first trimester requires the use of maternal echocardiography and the uterine artery pulsatility index (UAPI). Objective of the study was to see whether maternal echocardiography and uterine artery Doppler at 11-14 weeks can predict subsequent development of PE in nulliparous women.Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was carried out in outdoor patients of obstetrics and gynecology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), with collaboration with department of cardiology, National Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (NINMAS), BSMMU, Dhaka, during 01 December 2013 to July 2015. A total of 135 healthy nulliparous women at 11-14 weeks of gestation were included in this study. Data was processed and analyzed by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 24.0.Results: Among 135 patients, two (1.5%) patients developed preeclampsia during 1st follow-up (20-28 weeks) and four (2.9%) patients developed preeclampsia during (29-36 weeks). Mean total peripheral resistance was found to be 1332.0±75.2 dynes/sec/cm5 in preeclampsia and 1157.0±139.2 dynes/sec/cm5 in non preeclamptic pregnancy. The difference between two groups was statistically significant. MAP and total peripheral resistance were statistically significant (p<0.05) between two groups.Conclusions: In first trimester of pregnancy UAPI is the best predictor for detection of PE.

Role of uterine artery Doppler indices for predicting intrauterine pathology inconclusive on 2-dimensional transvaginal imaging among infertile women undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycle

Background: Objective of current study was to correlate uterine artery Doppler parameters with endometrial findings on hysteroscopy and its importance for the prediction of intrauterine pathology inconclusive on 2-dimensional transvaginal imaging prior to frozen embryo transfer.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at Medicover fertility center, New Delhi, India. The study population comprised of women with infertility who have undergone hysteroscopy before frozen embryo transfer. Total 70 patients were recruited based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Intrauterine pathology found in 57.2% (n= 40) patients and 42.8% (n=30) had normal endometrial cavity on hysteroscopy, they were categorized as group 1 and group 2 respectively based on their findings. Both the groups were compared for pre hysteroscopy uterine artery Doppler parameters, resistivity index and pulsatility index. Further clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate were determined in both groups.Results: Both the groups were comparable for age, body mass index, duration, and type of infertility. Mean RI and PI was significantly higher in group 1 as compared to group 2 (0.90±0.025, 2.89±0.291 vs. 0.76±0.043, 1.82±0.27; p value <0.001). The best cut-off value of uterine artery RI was ≥0.87 with sensitivity of 90% (95% CI=0.7634-0.9721), specificity of 100% (95% CI=0.8843-1.0000) and PI was 2.46 with sensitivity of 100% (95% CI=0.9119-1.0000), specificity of 96.7% (95% CI=0.8278-0.9992).Conclusions: Uterine artery Doppler is a non-invasive, cost- effective useful add-on tool for routine endometrial evaluation and can be a good predictor for screening intrauterine pathology and valuable in decision making for pre-IVF hysteroscopy.

CORRELATION OF ABNORMAL UTERINE ARTERY DOPPLER IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY WITH MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOME.

Introduction: Maternal – fetal circulation can be studied non-invasively by using doppler which can be used as a screening tool for fetal and maternal disease. Morphological changes in the uterine vasculature can be demonstrated by colour and pulsed doppler studies. The majority of the studies on uterine artery doppler have focused on a high risk population. The effectiveness of the uterine artery doppler to predict pre eclampsia or FGR in a low risk population has been shown to have a low to moderate predictive value1. Also the criteria for normal and abnormal uterine artery doppler continue to vary with no well accepted denition. Aim: To nd out the correlation between abnormal uterine artery doppler in the second trimester of pregnancy between 18-22 weeks, with the subsequent development of pre eclampsia and FGR. Materials and methods: This is a prospective cohort study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for a period of one year. Antenatal patients in the age group of 18-35 years, between 18-22 weeks of gestation, who were included in the study underwent a uterine artery doppler. They were followed up until delivery. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Results: 193 Obstetric patients in the age group 18-35 years were evaluated with uterine artery doppler. 77.7% had normal doppler indices. In the abnormal doppler group, 81.4% were in the high risk category and 48.8% of those with abnormal dopplers developed pre eclampsia and 34.9% with abnormal dopplers developed FGR. Conclusion: Patients with abnormal uterine artery doppler indices in the second trimester of pregnancy, had an 18 times increased risk of developing pre eclampsia and a 6 times increased risk of developing FGR when compared to those with normal doppler indices.

Role of Maternal Uterine Artery Doppler Versus Serum β-hCG During the First Trimester in the Prediction of Preeclampsia and IUGR

Objective: Preeclampsia accounts for 15% of maternal deaths and may cause fetal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of maternal uterine artery Doppler versus serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), during the first trimester, in predicting preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Materials and Methods: In a convenient sample of 388 pregnant women, uterine artery resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were assessed, and serum β-hCG level was measured at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation. The patients’ maternal blood pressure and fetal growth were monitored. Results: The patients with preeclampsia (n = 58) showed a significant uterine RI and PI increase with a significant β-hCG decrease compared with the normotensive patients (n = 330). The specificity of uterine PI and RI to predict preeclampsia and IUGR is higher than that of β-hCG. However, the sensitivity of combined diagnostic tools is higher than the singular use of these diagnostic tests. Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler may be better than serum β-hCG in predicting preeclampsia and IUGR. However, combined diagnostic techniques may be better to screen at-risk patients.

Plasma SerpinA5 in conjunction with uterine artery pulsatility index and clinical risk factor for the early prediction of preeclampsia

Object This study aimed to combine plasma protein SerpinA5 with uterine artery doppler ultrasound and clinical risk factor during the first trimester for prediction of preeclampsia. Methods and materials This study was a nested cohort study and was divided into the screening set and developing set. The plasma was collected during the first trimester (11+0–13+6 weeks), at the same time, UtA-PI was detected and recorded with four-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound. These pregnancies were followed up until after delivery. The plasma proteins were examined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Placental samples preserved after delivery were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Clinical risk factors were obtained from medical records or antenatal questionnaires. Upregulation or downregulation of SerpinA5 expression in TEV-1 cells was performed to investigate the role of SerpinA5 in trophoblasts invasion. Results We demonstrated that SerpinA5 levels were greater not only in preeclampsia placental tissue but also in plasma (both p<0.05), and we found that SerpinA5 may interfere with trophoblastic cell invasion by inhibiting MSP. SerpinA5 may be a potential predictor of preeclampsia. What is more, the sensitivity and specificity of predictive power were strengthened when plasma SerpinA5 was combined with UtA-PI and pre-pregnancy BMI & family history of PE for prediction of preeclampsia. Conclusion These findings showed that placenta-derived plasma SerpinA5 may be a novel biomarker for preeclampsia, which together with uterine artery Doppler ultrasound and clinical risk factor can more effectively predict preeclampsia.

Doppler Velocimetry evaluation in high-risk pregnancy for prediction of Preeclampsia

Background: The uterine and umbilical artery Doppler scan is a valuable tool for evaluation of utero-placental blood flow in pregnancy. They help in detecting uteroplacental insufficiency thus predicting preeclampsia and other effects of faulty placentation which increase the risk of adverse effects on both mother and fetus. Aims and Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the uterine artery and umbilical artery Doppler indices in second and third trimester for prediction of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study done over a years’ time, 50 high-risk pregnant mothers were recruited and the Doppler scans were done at 21-25 weeks and 31-35 weeks. The necessary clinical observations were recorded throughout the antenatal period and the data analysis was done. Results: Majority (56%) were in 20-29 years range with mean age of 24±6.1 years. Out of the 50 women, 21 had abnormal uterine artery Doppler and 12 had umbilical artery abnormality along with uterine derangement. Preeclampsia developed in 3 of them. The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were diagnosed in 13 women, preeclampsia in 3, eclampsia in 1and other HDPs in 9. The persistence of notch in uterine artery was observed in 7 women, of these 2 developed PIH. Only one patient had uterine artery PI>1.45 at 24 weeks who subsequently developed preeclampsia. Among 4 patients of preeclampsia and eclampsia, 3 had 2nd trimester uterine and 3rd trimester umbilical Doppler abnormalities and only 1 had normal doppler indices. In 2nd trimester the sensitivity, specificity and PPV are higher for uterine artery PI as compared to umbilical artery PI. Hence, uterine artery doppler seems to be a better screening tool for early prediction of PIH. The third trimester umbilical artery PI with higher specificity (96%) and PPV (50%) can diagnose preeclampsia better. One patient had absent diastolic flow and she developed preeclampsia and IUGR. The combined uterine and umbilical artery doppler is a better screening modality as it has a higher sensitivity (75%) and NPV (99.26%). Conclusion: The uterine and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry are potential tools for uteroplacental surveillance of high-risk pregnancies which can identify patients at risk and help in taking timely action to prevent complications.