The analysis of Doppler flow alterations in intrauterine growth restricted pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a common clinical condition. For some clinicians, it is still not clear which patients should be referred to a tertiary center. In this study, we aimed to analyse the sonographic parameters of IUGR suspected pregnancies and find out which finding is the most sensitive in the diagnosis of IUGR. Methods: Doppler flow findings and biometric measurements of 50 IUGR suspected pregnancies admitted to our perinatology outpatient clinic between March 2013 and March 2014 were evaluated. 60 healthy singleton pregnancies were assigned as the control group. The same measurement were performed and compared. The diagnosis of IUGR was made on one of the followings: AC measurement ? 10 p, uterine artery RI ?0.58, the fetal growth rate ? 10 p, fetal weight ? 10 p. Gestational week was calculated regarding the last menstrual period and confirmed with the first trimester ultrasonographic findings. Results: In IUGR and control group, maternal age was 26.63 ± 5.19 and 29.48 ± 5.79, respectively (p=0.327); gravida was 1.74 ± 0.99 and 2.13 ± 1.51 (p=0.290); parity was 0.63 ± 0.89 and 0.98 ± 0.49, (p=0.703); gestational week was 34.82 ± 3.27 and 34.21 ± 4.07 (p=0.70), respectively. Umbilical artery PI was 1.51 ± 0.96 in IUGR group and 1.00 ± 0.22 in control group (p1 and umbilical artery PI >0.95 have the highest sensitivity for IUGR (Sensitivity 82% and 80%; specificity 56% and 44%, respectively). Oligohydramnios and UA/MCA PI ratio were shown to have the highest specificity (specificity 70%).