Placental volume and vascularization flow indices by 3D power Doppler US using VOCAL technique and correlation with IGF-1, free beta-hCG, PAPP-A, and uterine artery Doppler at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy.
The purpose of this study was to investigate correlations between first trimester placental volume (PV) and blood flow indexes (FIs), bilateral uterine artery pulsatility indexes, notching, and biochemical parameters: pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (f-β-hCG), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) to predict the high-risk pregnancies in the first trimester.



We prospectively examined 310 patients at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy using transabdominal 3D gray scale and power Doppler ultrasound for assessing PV, vascularization index, FI, and vascularization FI (VFI). The acquired volumes were analyzed using VOCAL™ imaging software. The results were correlated with biochemical parameters.



We found significant correlations between PV and biochemical parameters, and between placental blood flow studies and other parameters. Finally, PV/crown-rump length so called the placental quotient is also related to both PAPP-A and VFI.



Placental volumetry, uterine artery Doppler studies, blood flow calculations and biochemical parameters, such as f-β-hCG, PAPP-A, and IGF-1 could be important in the early and rapid diagnosis of high-risk pregnancies. Thus, they may be useful in first trimester prediction of fetal growth restriction presenting with alterations in PV and vascularity.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Bilim University School of Medicine, European Florence Nightingale Hospital, Fetal Medicine Unit, Istanbul, Turkey. alinbasgul@hotmail.com
Alin Basgul
AB
Yigiter
Zehra Nese
ZN
Kavak
Birol
B
Durukan
Herman
H
Isci
Arzu
A
Uzuner
Esra
E
Uyar
Husnu
H
Gokaslan
D000328:Adult; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood*; D018568:Crown-Rump Length; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D011266:Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D055988:Uterine Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult
D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D011266:Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A