Uterine artery impedance to blood flow on the day of embryo transfer does not predict obstetric outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of uterine artery impedance to blood flow on the day of embryo transfer for prediction of early pregnancy loss and obstetric outcome.


METHODS
The uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were evaluated prospectively by transvaginal Doppler in 102 infertile women, who conceived as the result of fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Uterine artery impedance to blood flow was compared to the obstetric outcome.


RESULTS
The 111 treatment cycles studied resulted in 31 spontaneous abortions, four ectopic pregnancies, and 76 deliveries. There were no differences in uterine artery PI and RI (mean +/- SD) between cycles resulting in normal delivery (2.69 +/- 0.71 and 0.88 +/- 0.06) and those resulting in spontaneous abortion (2.71 +/- 0.67 and 0.88 +/- 0.05) or ectopic pregnancy (2.36 +/- 0.54 and 0.85 +/- 0.06). There were no differences in PI and RI between uncomplicated singleton pregnancies (2.74 +/- 0.78 and 0.88 +/- 0.06) and those developing intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), or preterm birth (2.54 +/- 0.47 and 0.87 +/- 0.04, pooled data).


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine artery PI and RI on the day of embryo transfer were unrelated to the risk of the pregnancy ending in spontaneous abortion or ectopic pregnancy. These values were of no value in the prediction of IUGR, PIH or preterm birth.
Isaksson
R
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Tiitinen
A
A
Cacciatore
B
B
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014655:Vascular Resistance
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin