IJAR.2022.249

Type of Article:  Original Research

Volume 11; Issue 1 (March 2023)

Page No.: 8529-8541

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2022.249

Doppler Indices of the Fetal Middle Cerebral and the Umbilical Arteries in Pregnancies at High Risk Followed Up for Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction

Gandla Mahalinga *1, Konduru Varadarajulu Rajasekhar 2, Nagaraj. S 3, M. Venkateshwar Reddy

*1 Ph.D. Scholar Medicine – Anatomy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, West K.K.Nagar, Chennai- 600078. Tamil Nadu State, India.

2 Dean, Professor, and HOD, Department of Radiology, Meenakshi Medical College And Research Institute, Enathur, Kanchipuram, 631552. Tamil Nadu State, India.

3 Associate Professor, Department Of Anatomy, S V S Medical College and Hospital, Mahabubnagar- 509001 Telangana State, India.

4 Professor and HOD, Department Of Anatomy, S V S Medical College and Hospital, Mahabubnagar- 509001, Telangana State, India.

Corresponding Author: Gandla Mahalinga, Ph.D. Scholar Medicine – Anatomy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, West K.K.Nagar, Chennai- 600078. Tamil Nadu State, India.  E-Mail: mohan.gndl@gmail.com

ORCiD:

Gandla Mahalinga: 0000-0003-2849-4308

Nagaraj. S: 0000-0003-4668-6514

M. Venkateshwar Reddy: 0000-0001-5436-7551.

ABSTRACT 

Background: Fetal growth restriction is related to compromised perinatal outcomes. The screening and prevention tools for fetal growth restriction like Doppler indices in high-risk groups compared with general antenatal populations. An evaluation of the correlation between Doppler indices and placental weight and birth weight of the neonate at term pregnancy in high-risk pregnancies is essential. For the early detection of fetal growth limitations in high-risk pregnancies, sensitive screening techniques are few.

Objectives: To determine the most accurate indicator for predicting a poor perinatal outcome or intrauterine growth restriction by comparing and correlating the modifications in Doppler ultrasound studies of fetal circulation in general pregnant women with those of high-risk patients both with and without intrauterine growth retardation.

Study design: A cross-sectional research including 81 healthy pregnancies and 19 high-risk patients at 31–40 weeks of gestation was conducted. The pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA),  the umbilical artery (UA), and the MCA PI to UA PI ratio were all analyzed. We compared the Doppler indices’ mean values. Then these values were correlated with placental weight and birth weight of the offspring.

Results: A significantly low birth weight and less fetoplacental ratio and placental coefficient ratio were found in high-risk cases than in normal pregnant women (P <0.05). A strong positive relationship was observed between the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and placental weight, while negative relationship between the pulsatility index of the middle cerebral artery and the Feto-placental ratio (P < 0.05). In addition, a positive association was found between the pulsatility index of the middle cerebral artery and placental coefficient, whereas a negative correlation was observed between the Cerebro-placental ratio and Feto-placental ratio in high-risk cases (P <0.05).

Conclusion: Low birth weight can be predicted using Doppler indices since there is a definite correlation between it and unfavorable perinatal outcomes.

Keywords: Placenta, birth weight, Doppler indices, Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index, Umbilical artery pulsatility index.

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Cite this article: Gandla Mahalinga, Konduru Varadarajulu Rajasekhar, Nagaraj. S, M. Venkateshwar Reddy. Doppler Indices of the Fetal Middle Cerebral and the Umbilical Arteries in Pregnancies at High Risk Followed Up for Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction. Int J Anat Res 2023;11(1):8529-8541. DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2022.249