Do low-risk nulliparous women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler in the third trimester have poorer perinatal outcomes? A longitudinal prospective study on uterine artery Doppler in low-risk nulliparous women and correlation with pregnancy outcomes. (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arrue, M.; García, M.; Rodriguez-Bengoa, M. T.; Landa, J. M.; Urbieta, L.; Maiztegui, M.; Salgueiro, L.; Belar, M.; Trecet, J. C.; Lekuona, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine. Volume 30:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: 877
• Page End: 880
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Low-risk -- nulliparous -- pre-eclampsia -- pregnancy outcomes -- third trimester -- uterine artery; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Perinatology -- Periodicals; Infants (Newborn) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neonatology -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1190822
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7058

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : To evaluate uterine artery (UtA) Doppler over the course of pregnancy in low-risk nulliparous women and to analyze whether an abnormal uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) at a 32–34 week' scan implies poorer perinatal outcomes. Methods : An observational prospective study was carried out including 616 low-risk nulliparous women. Women with any of the following were excluded: fetal abnormalities, multiple pregnancy, and heparin, metformin or hypotensive treatment. Maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure measurements and UtA Doppler findings were recorded longitudinally. Results : Complete pregnancy data were available for 489/616 women (79.3%). Of these, 385 women had a normal UtA-PI throughout pregnancy (Group 0), while 50 (10.1%) had an UtA-PI > 95th percentile in the first or the second trimester that normalized in the third trimester (Group 1), and 56 (11.4%) had an abnormal UtA-PI in the third trimester (Group 2). We found that the rate of pre-eclampsia (PE) was higher in Group 2 (7/56 versus 4/435, p = 0.003) as was the rate of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (6/56 versus 14/435, p = 0.02). Conclusions : Low-risk nulliparous women with abnormal UtA Doppler findings in the third trimester are at a higher risk of developing PE and having a baby with IUGR.