Doppler examination of uteroplacental circulation in early pregnancy: can it predict adverse outcome?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether spectral Doppler measurements obtained from bilateral uterine, arcuate, radial, and spiral arteries in early gestation correlate with adverse pregnancy outcome.


METHODS
One hundred five pregnant women underwent transvaginal Doppler sonographic examination of uteroplacental circulation at 6-12 weeks' gestation. Resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of bilateral uterine, arcuate, radial, and spiral arteries were measured. Diameters of gestational sac (GS) and yolk sac, crown-rump length (CRL), GS-CRL difference, and GS/CRL ratio were also recorded. Correlation was made with pregnancy outcome.


RESULTS
Sixteen women developed adverse pregnancy outcome. In these women, right uterine artery PI and RI were significantly higher than in women with normal obstetrical outcome. Spiral artery PI and RI values were also higher, but the difference was not statistically significant. GS-CRL difference, GS/CRL ratio, and yolk sac diameters were significantly lower in this group.


CONCLUSIONS
Transvaginal Doppler examination can detect hemodynamic changes in uteroplacental circulation associated with subsequent adverse pregnancy outcome.
Ozkaya
Ummü
U
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Tüpraş Sitesi, Güney Mahallesi, 7 Sokak, No. 20, Kat. 2, Körfez Kocaeli 41780, Turkey.
Ozkan
Sebiha
S
Ozeren
Semih
S
Corakçi
Aydin
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D021041:Placental Circulation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging