Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index as a Pre-eclampsia Predictor in the 3 Trimesters in Women with Singleton Pregnancies / Índice de pulsatilidade da artéria uterina como preditor de pré-eclâmpsia nos 3 trimestres em mulheres com gestações únicas

Abstract Objective To evaluate the mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI) in each trimester of pregnancy as a predictor of early or late pre-eclampsia (PE) in Colombian pregnant women. Methods The UtAPI was measured in singleton pregnancies in each trimester. Uterine artery pulsatility index as predictor of PE was evaluated by odds ratio (OR), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Kaplan-Meier diagram. Results Analysis in the 1st and 3rd trimester showed that abnormal UtAPI was associated with early PE (OR: 5.99: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-21.13; and OR: 10.32; 95%CI: 2.75-42.49, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity were 71.4 and 79.6%, respectively, for developing PE (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.922). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that a UtAPI of 0.76 (95%CI: 0.58-1.0) in the 1st trimester was associated with early PE, and a UtAPI of 0.73 (95%CI: 0.55-0.97) in the 3rd trimester was associated with late PE. Conclusion Uterine arteries proved to be a useful predictor tool in the 1st and 3rd trimesters for early PE and in the 3rd trimester for late PE in a pregnant population with high prevalence of PE.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o índice médio de pulsatilidade da artéria uterina (UtAPI) em cada trimestre da gravidez como preditor de pré-eclâmpsia (PE) precoce ou tardia em gestantes colombianas. Métodos O UtAPI foi medido em gestações únicas em cada trimestre. O UtAPI como preditor de PE foi avaliado por odds ratio (OR), curvas receiver operating characteristic (ROC) e diagrama de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados A análise no 1° e 3° trimestres mostrou que um UtAPI anormal foi associado com PE inicial (OR: 5,99; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95%: 1,64-21,13; OR: 10,32; IC95%: 2,75-42,49, respectivamente). A sensibilidade e a especificidade foram de 71,4 e 79,6%, respectivamente, para o desenvolvimento de PE (area under the curve [AUC]: 0,922). A curva de Kaplan-Meier mostrou que um UtAPI de 0,76 (IC95%: 0,58- 1,0) no 1° trimestre foi associado com PE precoce, e que um UtAPI de 0,73 (IC95%: 0,55-0,97) no 3° trimestre foi associado com PE tardia. Conclusão As artérias uterinas mostraram ser uma ferramenta preditora útil no 1° e 3° trimestres para PE inicial e no 3° trimestre para PE tardia em uma população de gestantes com alta prevalência de PE.

The relationship between serum ischemia-modified albumin levels and uterine artery doppler parameters in patients with primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract Objective Primary dysmenorrhea occurs due to abnormal levels of prostanoids, uterine contractions, and uterine blood flow. However, the reasons for pain in primary dysmenorrhea have not yet been clarified. We examined the blood flow alterations in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and determined the relationship between ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, as an ischemia indicator, and primary dysmenorrhea. Methods In the present study, 37 patients who had primary dysmenorrhea and were in their luteal and menstrual phase of their menstrual cycles were included. Thirty individuals who had similar demographic characteristics, who were between 18 and 30 years old and did not have gynecologic disease were included as control individuals. Their uterine artery Doppler indices and serum IMA levels were measured. Results Menstrual phase plasma IMA levels were significantly higher than luteal phase IMA levels, both in the patient and in the control groups (p < 0.001). Although the menstrual phase IMA levels of patients were significantly higher than those of controls, luteal phase IMA levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Menstrual uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of primary dysmenorrhea patients were significantly different when compared with luteal uterine artery PI and RI levels. There was a positive correlation between menstrual phase IMA and uterine artery PI and RI in the primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion Ischemia plays an important role in the etiology of the pain, which is frequently observed in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Ischemia-modified albumin levels are considered as an efficient marker to determine the severity of pain and to indicate ischemia in primary dysmenorrhea.

Uterine artery Doppler in first trimester in prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu

Background: Pregnancies are complicated by hypertensive disorders of about 5-10% and hemorrhage, sepsis, and fetal growth restriction constitute a triad contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy vary from mildly elevated blood pressure to severe hypertension with multi-organ dysfunction. The study aims to evaluate the first-trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods: This prospective longitudinal observational was done in Dharmapuri Medical College and Hospital were selected for this study. Totally 150 pregnant women were included in the study. 75 were controls and 75 cases. The study period was from June 2018 to February 2019. Evaluating the optimal definition of abnormal first trimester.Results: Previous obstetric history in the study population. In the study group 3% of bad obstetric history (BOH) present. In the case group, 5% has BOH due to 2 neonatal death and 2 term intrauterine device (IUD), uterine artery Doppler parameters to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes, and association of gestational hypertension in the study groups. In the control group, 1%, and the case group 5% of them had gestational hypertension. Out of 4, 3 had an average uterine artery Doppler more than 2.3 (maximum of 2.7) and 1 had single uterine artery Doppler abnormality.Conclusions: The study showed that first-trimester uterine artery Doppler with single and average uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) >95th centile (2.3) has a better screening value in my population. The overall performance of the first-trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes is valuable.

Uterine Artery Doppler Screening in 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy for Prediction of Pre-eclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry analysis has been extensively studied in the second trimester of pregnancy as a predictive investigation for the future development of pre-eclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction.Aims: To predict the probability of developing pre-eclampsia of pregnant women and Fetal Growth Restriction in relation with normal and abnormal Doppler velocimetry of uterine artery at 2nd trimester of pregnancy.Methods:A total of 97 pregnant women of 2nd trimester of pregnancy were included in this study After taking informed written consent of the participants, all they underwent uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at 22ndand 24thweek of pregnancy. They again examined clinically during delivery at different gestational age. Pre-eclampsia (PE) was diagnosed on the basis of measurement of blood pressure as well as urine routine and microscopic examination. Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) was determined by measuring birth weight and gestational age at the time of delivery. Development of PE and FGR was observed in relation to severity of Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry findings. A pre-structured data collection sheet was used as a research tool for data collection. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using windows-based computer software devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-23).Results: More than half (52.6%) of the subjects belonged to age 21-25 years and 52(53.6%) subjects were nulliparous. More than half (56.7%) of the subjects came from low income group family. Pre-eclampsia developed 11(11.3%) of the patients, 15(15.5%) had FGR and 12(12.4%) had notching in 2ndUADV at 24thweek. Presence of Pre-diastolic notch in 2ndUADV study at 24thweek to predict pre-eclampsia has sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 95.4%, accuracy 92.8% and positive predictive values 66.7% and negative predictive value 96.5%. Presence of Pre-diastolic notch in 2ndUADV study at 24thweek to predict FGR has sensitivity 20.0%, specificity 89.0%, accuracy 78.4% and positive predictive values 25.0% and negative predictive value 85.9%. The mean age was 28.69±7.81 years who had per-diastolic notch in 2ndUADV at 24thweek and 24.13±6.11 years who had normal UADV and the p value is 0.022 which is significant. The mean para was 1.29±0.33 who had per-diastolic notch in 2ndUADV at 24thweek and 1.77±0.29 who had normal UADV together with remarkable p value which is 0.001. The mean BMI was 23.59±1.09 Kg/m2who had per-diastolic notch in 2ndUADV at 24thweek and 21.57±0.47 Kg/m2who had normal UADV with notable p value 0.001 in this study.Conclusion:Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in early pregnancy can be a good investigating tool for prediction of subsequent development of pre-eclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction

Role of lipid profile and uterine artery doppler in predicting risk of preeclampsia in early second trimester

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome and is a major cause of the fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at finding the role of lipid profile and uterine artery Doppler as a reliable predictor of risk of preeclampsia in early second trimester.Methods: This study is conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital, Amritsar. Lipid profile and Uterine artery doppler is estimated in 100 antenatal women from 14-20 weeks of period of gestation who met the inclusion criteria and are followed up till delivery or till preeclampsia sets in.Results: Out of 100 subjects 74 remained normotensive (Group A) and 26 developed preeclampsia (Group B). The mean serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) was significantly higher in Group B as compared to group A women. The Preeclamptic women showed significant fall in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) level as compared to normal pregnant women. The mean S/D ratio, PI and RI values of uterine artery Doppler were higher for group B and were statistically significant.Conclusions: The combined predictive value of lipid profile and uterine artery Doppler for estimating risk of preeclampsia was more reliable than of any of the test individually.

Prediction of preeclampsia by a combination of maternal spot urinary protein-creatinine ratio and uterine artery doppler

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is heterogeneous disorder. The aim of the study was to observe the role of a spot urinary protein - creatinine ratio (UPCR) and uterine artery doppler velocimetry measured between 20-24 weeks of gestation in prediction of preeclampsia.Methods: Prospective observational study conducted on 120 pregnant mothers with singleton pregnancy between 20-24 weeks of gestational age in two tertiary teaching hospitals in eastern India. A spot urinary protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) was determined in a mid- stream urine sample and estimation of protein was done by immunoturbidimetric micro albumin method and creatinine by modified Jaffe’s method. Doppler velocimetry was also determined at 20-24 weeks of gestation. A notch in uterine artery, unilateral or bilateral; or RI > 0.7 and PI of > 1.45 were considered to have an abnormal result. Women were followed-up and relationship between variables was assessed by Chi- square test.Results: Women who subsequently developed preeclampsia had significantly higher UPCR (median 44.8 mg/mmol) when compared with women of unaffected groups (median 26.6 mg/mmol). The optimum spot urinary UPCR to predict preeclampsia was 35.5 mg/mmol and the cut-off value >35.5 mg/mmol had a test sensitivity (80%), specificity (94.06%), PPV (66.76%) and NPV (96.94%).The area under curve (AUC) of spot UPCR in ROC curve was  0.949 (95% CI,0.891 - 1.000). For predicting preeclampsia, the mean uterine artery RI had to be >0.7 having sensitivity (60%), specificity (97.03%), PPV (75%) and NPV (94.23%). The area under curve (AUC) was 0.856 (95% CI, 0.742 - 0.971).Conclusions: Second trimester UA doppler is a useful screening test for prediction of preeclampsia. This test works best when combined with a spot UPCR and accuracy of both the methods for prediction of preeclampsia was 92.24%.

First trimester serum vitamin D, hs-CRP and second trimester uterine artery diastolic notching in predicting gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

Background: Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to study prediction of gestational hypertension/preeclampsia by using first trimester serum vitamin D and hs-CRP and second trimester uterine artery diastolic notching.Methods: It was an observational study conducted in the departments of obstetrics and gynaecology, clinical biochemistry and radiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. All pregnant women with 11 to 14 weeks gestational age attending antenatal clinic between October 2012 and June 2013 were enrolled in the study. A detailed history including history of the duration of sun exposure was taken and a general physical examination including obstetrical examination was done at every visit. Serum sample were taken for hs-CRP and vitamin-D levels at 11-14 weeks. Uterine artery colour doppler study was done between 22-24 weeks for uterine artery diastolic notching. The main outcome measures were development of gestational hypertension/ preeclampsia/ eclampsia.Results: The mean vitamin D levels were significantly lower and mean hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive group as compared to the normotensive group, p=0.001 and p=0.004, respectively. Significant number women who developed hypertension had unilateral (46.2%) or bilateral (20.4%) uterine artery diastolic notching, p=0.005 and p=0.000, respectively. Crude’s odds ratio of uterine artery diastolic notching for prediction of hypertension in pregnancy was high, 9.894, 95% CI, 3.273-29.907 as compared to vitamin D (<13.5 ng/ml) and hs-CRP (>9.15 mg/L), 2.859, 95% CI, 1.418-5.763 and 7.16, 95% CI, 3.33-15.397.Conclusions: Uterine artery diastolic notching in the early second trimester is found to be the best predictor of PE followed by first trimester hs-CRP and vitamin D.

Maternal serum βhCG level and uterine artery doppler studies as predictors of pregnancy induced hypertension and intra uterine growth restriction: a prospective study

Background: PIH, a pregnancy-specific disorder, is one of the major causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide.PIH and fetal growth restriction are important causes of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortility.Methods: Hundred Indian pregnant women in their second trimester (13-20 weeks) and in their late second trimester (24-28 weeks) investigated for their serum β-hCG level and uterine artery Doppler studies respectively, attending OPD/IPD in Sir T. hospital, Bhavnagar from June 2014 to June 2015.Results: There is no clinical significance between parity and occurrence of PIH (p=0.2) and FGR (p=0.7). Out of 77 patients with their β hCG level ≤2 MoM, 2 patients (2.59%) developed PIH and FGR. And from 12 patients with their β hCG level ≥2 MoM 10 patients (80%) developed PIH and FGR which is highly significant (p<0.001). The study establishes the validity of beta HCG as a predictor of PIH and FGR with the sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 97.5%.Conclusions: This study can be concluded by there is a strong association between high maternal serum ß-hCG level, abnormal uterine Doppler studies with predicting adverse outcome of pregnancy like PIH and FGR. There is also a good association between high maternal serum ß-hCG level and rising severity of the disease.

Maternal pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and uterine artery Doppler changes as predictors of pre-eclampsia: a prospective observational study from a teaching hospital in Mysore, Karnataka, India

Background: Hypertensive disorder affects 10-12% of pregnancies. Identifying women, who are at risk is conducive to prompt gestational management. PAPP-A is a protein complex produced by the developing trophoblasts. Low levels of PAPP-A at 10–14 weeks is a marker of impaired placentation and a smaller placental mass. Doppler imaging permits non-invasive evaluation of the uteroplacental circulation and is invaluable in the management of high-risk pregnancies. The uterine artery Doppler screening identifies patients at risk for developing preeclampsia. To study the association of PAPP-A and the uterine artery Doppler changes as predictor of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women at 11-14 weeks of gestation.Methods: This was a prospective study of 150 pregnant women presenting at 11-14 weeks of gestation for a prenatal check-up. After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, serum samples for PAPP-A were assayed. Ultrasound Doppler was used to obtain uterine artery flow velocity waveforms and mean pulsatility index and resistance index of uterine arteries were calculated. Cases were followed up till term and observed for development of pre-eclampsia.Results: 48.6% had low serum PAPP-A levels, in which 77% developed PE. The Mean PI and RI is 2.34±1.16 and 0.58±0.1 respectively. 30% women with abnormal PI values and 24% of women with abnormal RI values developed PE.Conclusions: The combination of maternal history with low serum PAPP-A levels and abnormal uterine artery Doppler at 11-14 weeks can be used as predictor of pre-eclampsia.

Role of second trimester uterine artery doppler for the prediction of preeclampsia in high risk pregnancy

Background: The uterine artery Doppler has potentials for screening for complications of impaired placentation. The purpose of study was to assess the role of uterine artery color Doppler waveform analysis in second trimester for the prediction of preeclampsia in a high-risk pregnancy between 18-24 weeks of gestation.Methods: 100 women with moderate or high-risk factors for developing preeclampsia reporting to Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh were enrolled for present study. Transabdominal uterine artery doppler measurements was done at 18-24weeks of gestation in these patients. Doppler . The Doppler indices generated automatically from the machine , the Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistance Index (RI) , presence or absence of diastolic notch and S/D Ratio were recorded, and average was calculated.Results: Out of 100 patients there were 46 primigravidas with no additional risk factors, 22 pateints with two or more risk factors and there were no patients who had three or more risk factors in present study population. Preeclampsia is seen more commonly in primigravida and primigravida is considered as moderate risk factor for preeclampsia. It was found that an elevated second trimester uterine artery RI was significantly associated with developing preeclampsia later in pregnancy. The sensitivity and specificity of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry were found to be 84% and 55% respectively. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were created to demonstrate the prognostic value of RI and PI of uterine artery doppler indices at 18-24 weeks of gestation for the development preeclampsia. In addition, there were statistically significant positive correlations between mean RI of uterine artery doppler study and patients who developed preeclampsia. With a sensitivity of 84.21% it could identify 31% of the cases of preeclampsia at a false positive rate of 44.4%.Conclusions: Uterine artery doppler study can be used as a predictor of moderate strength for preeclampsia.

Prediction of preeclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy using maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure, and uterine artery Doppler data in a Brazilian population

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the preeclampsia (PE) screening algorithm of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) during the first trimester in a Brazilian population using maternal characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and uterine artery Doppler data. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that evaluated 701 pregnant women during the first trimester ultrasound screening for chromosomal abnormalities (11–13+6 weeks). All patients provided information regarding clinical and obstetric history, MAP, and mean uterine artery pulsatility index (mean PI). Patients were assigned to four groups based on the presence of PE and gestational age at delivery: group 1 (control), patients without hypertensive disorders (n=571); group 2, PE and delivery before 34 weeks of gestation (n=7); group 3, PE and delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, including patients from group 2 and patients that presented PE with delivery between 34 and 37 weeks (n=17); and group 4, PE and delivery before 42 weeks of gestation, including patients from both groups 2 and 3 and patients that presented PE with delivery between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation (n=34). RESULTS: After the exclusion of 96 patients, we evaluated the data of 605 patients. By combining maternal characteristics, MAP, and the mean uterine artery PI for the detection of PE, we found a sensitivity of 71.4% in group 2, 50% in group 3, and 41.2% in group 4 (false positive rate=10%). CONCLUSION: Using maternal characteristics, MAP, and uterine artery Doppler data, we were able to identify a significant proportion of patients who developed preterm PE.

Reference centile charts of first-trimester aneuploidy screening & Doppler parameters for Indian population

Background & objectives: The risk estimation for foetal aneuploidies in the first trimester of pregnancy uses reference curves based on western data. The objective of this study was to construct the reference curves of first-trimester foetal aneuploidy screening parameters for the Indian women. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1204 singleton pregnancies between the crown-rump length (CRL) of 40-84 mm. Linear regression models were constructed; the mean, median and standard deviation were derived as a function of CRL. Results: The mean value of CRL was 61.3 mm. The regression analysis showed a significant correlation between all variables and CRL (P< 0.001). There was a positive correlation of CRL with nuchal translucency (NT) (y=0.010x+0.629, R2=0.116) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) (y=0.107x?1.079, R2=0.173), whereas inverse correlation was seen with free ?-human chorionic gonadotropin (?-hCG) (y=?0.409x+75.025, R2=0.018) and Doppler parameters pulsatility index (PI) (y=?0.008x+1.924 R2=0.053). The centile charts of NT, PAPP-A, free ?-hCG and uterine artery (Ut A) Doppler PI were constructed. Interpretation & conclusions: The reference centile charts of first trimester aneuploidy screening along with Doppler parameters were derived in Indian pregnant women. These centile charts may be used as a reference for clinical use in Indian population.

Role of Uterine Artery Doppler in 11-14 Weeks Scan as a Predictor of Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease in pregnancy involving interplay of multiple genetic, immunologic and environmental factors. The primary pathology of PE is related to abnormal placentation. Uterine artery doppler in the first trimester is a promising screening test for prediction of PE. Objective: To study the role of first trimester uterine artery doppler in prediction of preeclampsia. Methods: A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the role of uterine artery doppler in the 11- 14 week scan for prediction of preeclampsia and associated IUGR. A total number of 200 women who met our selection criteria were included in the study. Uterine artery doppler was done as part of the 11-14 weeks scan and mean uterine artery PI was calculated. Results: Among the women in the study, PE was detected in 21 women with incidence of 11 %. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of mean uterine artery PI for development of PI were 76%, 86%, 39% and 96% respectively. Conclusions: Early identification of pregnancies at high-risk of early onset PE and undertaking the necessary measures to improve placentation can reduce the burden of the disease by using prophylactic aspirin. Effective screening for early onset PE can be achieved in the first-trimester of pregnancy with maternal history, uterine artery doppler and biochemical markers. Biochemical screening for preeclampsia needs to become cheaper and easily accessible for better prediction of PE in first trimester.

Uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry parameters for predicting gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after complete hydatidiform mole, a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: Doppler ultrasonography can be used to assess neoangiogenesis, a characteristic feature of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. However, there is limited information on whether uterine artery Doppler flow velocimetry parameters can predict gestational trophoblastic neoplasia following a complete hydatidiform mole. The purpose of this study was as follows: 1) to compare uterine blood flow before and after complete mole evacuation between women who developed postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and those who achieved spontaneous remission, 2) to assess the usefulness of uterine Doppler parameters as predictors of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and to determine the best parameters and cutoff values for predicting postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 246 patients with a complete mole who were treated at three different trophoblastic diseases centers between 2013 and 2014. The pulsatility index, resistivity index, and systolic/diastolic ratio were measured by Doppler flow velocimetry before and 4-6 weeks after molar evacuation. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon’s test, logistic regression, and ROC analysis. RESULTS: No differences in pre- and post-evacuation Doppler measurements were observed in patients who developed postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. In those with spontaneous remission, the pulsatility index and systolic/diastolic ratio were increased after evacuation. The pre- and post-evacuation pulsatility indices were significantly lower in patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (odds ratio of 13.9-30.5). A pre-evacuation pulsatility index ≤1.38 (77% sensitivity and 82% specificity) and post-evacuation pulsatility index ≤1.77 (79% sensitivity and 86% specificity) were significantly predictive of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine Doppler flow velocimetry measurements, particularly pre- and post-molar evacuation pulsatility indices, can be useful for predicting postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

En embarazos con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino la velocimetría Doppler refleja las arteriopatías del lecho placentario / The correlation of the histomorphology of the placenta and the placental bed with the doppler velocimetries of the uterine and umbilical arteries

We correlated the histomorphology of the placenta and the placental bed with the Doppler velocimetries of the uterine and umbilical arteries of intrauterine growth restricted pregnancies. The study group consisted of 47 women with intrauterine growth restricted fetuses. Twenty-five uneventful pregnancies with appropriate for gestational age fetuses were selected as controls. Doppler studies of umbilical and uterine arteries were performed within the last week before delivery. Placental bed biopsies were obtained at Caesarean section with direct visualization of the placental site. The incidence of pathologic bed biopsies in control, IUGR with normal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry and IUGR with abnormal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry was 0, 16.6% and 79.3% respectively (p < 0.001). Abnormal placental bed biopsy pathology was significantly associated with abnormal uterine artery velocimetry (OR 33.7, 6.5-173.6; p < 0.001). Abnormal placental pathology was significantly associated with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry (OR 21.04, 3.8- 115.9; p < 0.001). Women with both abnormal uterine and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetries were delivered earlier and their babies had lower mean birth and placental weight (p < 0.001). As a conclusion, placental bed biopsy and placental pathologies are best reflected by abnormal uterine and umbilical artery velocity waveforms, respectively. The most severe clinical outcomes and perinatal mortality are present when both uterine and umbilical districts are altered

Correlacionamos la histomorfología de la placenta y del lecho placentario con la velocimetría Doppler de las arterias uterinas y umbilical en embarazos con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU). El grupo estudiado consistió en 47 mujeres con fetos que presentaban restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. Veinticinco embarazos normales con fetos adecuados para la edad gestacional fueron seleccionados como control. Los estudios Doppler de las arterias uterinas y umbilical fueron realizados dentro de la última semana antes del parto. Se obtuvieron biopsias del lecho placentario al momento de la cesárea con visualización directa del sitio de inserción. La incidencia de biopsias patológicas del lecho placentario en el grupo control, en el grupo que presentó RCIU con Doppler de la arteria uterina normal y en el de los RCIU con velocimetría Doppler anormal de la arteria uterina fue de 0, 16.6% y 79.3%, respectivamente (p < 0.001). La biopsia anormal del lecho placentario estuvo significativamente asociada con velocimetría anormal tanto de la arteria uterina (OR 33.7, 6.5-173.6; p < 0.001) como de la arteria umbilical (OR 21.04, 3.8-115.9; p < 0.001). En las mujeres que presentaron velocimetría Doppler anormal de las arterias uterinas y umbilical los nacimientos se produjeron más precozmente y sus hijos tuvieron un peso de nacimiento y placentario promedio más bajo (p < 0.001). Como conclusión, la biopsia del lecho placentario y las patologías de la placenta son reflejadas mejor por las formas de onda anormales en la velocimetría de las arterias uterinas y umbilical, respectivamente. Los resultados clínicos más graves y la mortalidad perinatal están presentes cuando ambos territorios, uterino y umbilical, se encuentran alterados.

The Clinical Significance of Uterine Artery Doppler Flow Velocity Waveforms as a Screening Test in the Second Trimester Pregnancies / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: We performed uterine artery doppler flow velocity waveforms between 20~24 weeks of gestation to access the screening properties for predicting pregnancy-induced hypertension or intrauterine growth retardation in general population. METHODS: Total 458 normal pregnant women were enrolled in this study. The abnormal uterine artery doppler flow velocity waveforms was defined that systolic/diastolic ratio is greater than 2.6 or diastolic notch waveforms are seen. RESULTS: The incidence of PIH and IUGR among study population was 3.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The incidence of PIH in normal and abnormal uterine artery Doppler flow velocity waveforms group were 2.0% and 11.4%, and those of IUGR were 3.4% and 4.2%, respectively. The incidence PIH or IUGR among abnormal doppler group was 14.2%, which was higher than in normal group of 5.4%. This method had a sensitivity of 34.3%, a specificity of 86.1% and positive predictive value of 15.7% for the prediction of PIH and IUGR. CONCLUSION: Although abnormal uterine artery doppler flow velocity waveforms is associated with an increased risk of PIH or IUGR, the lowered positive predictability lead to apply the follow-up examination or standardization of doppler ultrasonography.

Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in the prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes in unexplained MSAFP elevations

Unexplained maternal serum-fetoprotein (MSAFP) elevation has been known to be associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, however it is not sufficiently useful as a screening test. This study was undertaken to determine whether uterine artery Doppler velocimetry could define a subset of patients with an elevated MSAFP level in whom complications of pregnancy might develop. The subjects included 179 women between 26 and 28 weeks' gestation with MSAFP > or = 2.5 multiples of the median, in whom either the presence of an early diastolic notch or a resistance index 0.6 was considered as an abnormal Doppler velocimetry finding. Those subjects who displayed abnormal Doppler velocimetry findings showed an increased incidence of preeclampsia, preterm birth, IUGR, and IUFD compared to those subjects with only elevated MSAFP (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the incidence of LBW. Positive predictive values of adverse obstetric outcomes were significantly higher in the group having both elevated MSAFP and abnormal Doppler velocimetry compared to the group with only elevated MSAFP (p < 0.05). Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in the second trimester can improve the value of unexplained MSAFP elevation in the prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes.

Expression of Adhesion Molecules in Placenta and Correlation with Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry in Pregnancy-induced Hypertension / 대한산부인과학회잡지

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of PIH remains unclear. Recently, placental abnormalitiesare stressed as a possible cause of PIH. Abnormal shallow invasion of trophoblasts, confinedto decidua, without involving myometrium is believed to result in reduced uteroplacentalperfusion, endothelial injury, and activation of coagulation cascade system. Integrin, one of theadhesive membrane proteins, is expected to be related to the regulation of trophoblasts invasion. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression of adhesion moleculesin placenta and the correlation between uterine artery Doppler findings and integrinexpressions in the placentas of PIH patients. SUBJECTS: Thirty-six cases of severe PIH patients were enrolled in the study with 10number of normal control pregnant women. The integrin subunit expressions withimmunohistochemical staining were observed in floating villi, maternal-side cytotropholbasts, andfetal-side cytotrophoblasts. Uterine artery Doppler study was also performed, and the S/Dratio was evaluated. Abnormal Doppler findings was defined as S/D ratio>or=2.6. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic staining of villi and placental bed cytotrophoblast for theintegrin alpha1 subunit in PIH specimen was weaker than those in normal controls. Theexpression of integrin beta1 subunit was negative for both controls and PIH group. Thepositive cytoplasmic stain was observed among PIH placenta in contrast to normal control inwhich the expression of integrin beta4 subunit was not detected. The expression of alpha v beta3 introphoblast with PIH was positive staining, but not in control group. Uterine artery Dopplervelocimetry was performed in 25 cases with PIH. Trace(+/-) or - staining of integrin alpha1 subunit were observed in 60.0% of abnormal S/D(>or=2.6) group, 20.0% of normal S/Dratio group patients, respectively. Trace or + staining of integrin beta4 subunit were observedin 50.0% of abnormal S/D group and 6.7% of normal S/D group and this is in statisticallysignificant. Trace or + staining of integrin alpha v beta3 subunit were observed 70.0% ofabnormal S/D group and 26.7% of normal S/D group, and this statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In PIH the abnormality in the invasion of cytotrophoblats results inabnormal integrin subunit expression, but it is also correlated to the abnormal uterine arteryDoppler velocimetry which shows a S/D ratio of greater than 2.6. Thus, the uterine arteryDoppler velocimetry reflects abnormal placentation.