Could Aspirin Treatment Modify the Assessment of the Uterine Arteries? / O tratamento com aspirina pode modificar a avaliação das artérias uterinas?

Abstract Objective To analyze whether acetylsalicylic (ASA) intake modifies the mean uterine arteries pulsatility index (UtA-PI) at the 2nd or 3rd trimester in a cohort of pregnant women with abnormal mean UtA-PI at between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study. Singleton pregnancies with abnormal mean UtA-PI at between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation were studied. The participants were divided into 3 groups: 1) If the participant did not take ASA during pregnancy; 2) If the participant took ASA before 14 weeks of gestation; and 3) If the participant took ASA after 14 weeks of gestation. The mean UtA-PI was evaluated at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, and it was considered to improve when it decreased below the 95th percentile. The prevalence ratio (PR) and the number needed to treat (NNT) werecalculated. Results A total of 72 participants with a mean UtA-PI>95th percentile at the 1st trimester of gestation were evaluated. Out of the 18 participants who took ASA, 8 participants started it before 14 weeks of gestation and 10 after. A total of 33.3% of these participants had improved the mean UtA-PI at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of gestation, although it was not statistically significant (p=0.154). The prevalence ratio was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-1.89), but between the 1st and 2nd trimesters of gestation, the PR was 0.92 (95%CI: 0.21-0.99) and it was statistically significant. Conclusion The present work demonstrates a modification of the mean UtA-PI in participants who took ASA compared with those who did not. It is important to check if ASA can modify the normal limits of uterine arteries because this could have an impact on surveillance.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar se a ingestão de acetilsalicílico (ASA) modifica o índice médio de pulsatilidade das artérias uterinas (UtA-PI) no 2° ou 3° trimestre em uma coorte de gestantes com média anormal de UtA-PI entre 11 e 14 semanas. Métodos Este é um estudo de coorte retrospectivo. Gravidezes únicas com média anormal de UtA-PI entre 11 e 14 semanas foram estudadas. As participantes foram divididas em 3 grupos: 1) Se a participante não tomou ASA durante a gravidez, 2) Se a participante tomou AAS antes das 14 semanas e 3) Se a participante tomou ASA após 14 semanas. A média do UtA-PI foi avaliada nos 2° e 3° trimestres e considerou-se que melhorava quando diminuía<95° percentil. Foram calculados a razão de prevalência (RP) e o número necessário para tratar (NNT). Resultados Foram avaliadas 72 participantes com média de UtA-PI>95° percentil no 1° trimestre de gravidez. Das 18 participantes que tomaram ASA, 8 participantes começaram antes de 14 semanas e 10 depois. Um total de 33,3% desses participantes melhoraram a média de UtA-PI nos 2° e 3° trimestres, embora não tenha sido estatisticamente significante (p=0,154). A razão de prevalência foi de 0,95 (intervalo de confiança [IC95%]: 0,31-1,89), mas entre os 1° e o 2° trimestres, a RP foi de 0,92 (IC95%: 0,21-0,99) e foi estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão O presente trabalho demonstra uma modificação da média de UtA-PI em participantes que faziam uso de ASA em comparação com aqueles que não faziam. É importante verificar se o ASA pode modificar os limites normais das artérias uterinas porque isso pode ter um impacto na vigilância.

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.

Modelo predictivo de restricción del crecimiento intrauterino usando doppler de arterias uterinas y edad materna / Predictive model of intrauterine growth restriction using uterine artery doppler and maternal age

INTRODUCCIÓN: La restricción del crecimiento intrauterino representa una importante morbimortalidad perinatal y cuya detección es variable según modelos clínicos y características propias en cada población. OBJETIVO: Evaluar si el Doppler de arterias uterinas y la edad materna conforman un modelo clínico con capacidad predictiva de restricción del crecimiento intrauterino en una amplia muestra de población peruana. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, analítico, de prueba diagnóstica. Participaron 1344 gestantes atendidas en un centro de referencia nacional materno perinatal Nivel III en Perú entre 2010-2018. La muestra fue seleccionada aleatoriamente y dividida en: muestra de entrenamiento y muestra para validación del mejor modelo clínico obtenido. Se usó análisis multivariado, medición de la capacidad diagnóstica y predictiva. RESULTADOS: El modelo clínico formado por el índice de pulsatilidad promedio mayor al percentil 95 de la arteria uterina y la edad materna mayor a 35 años conformo el modelo con el menor indicador de penalidad de Akaike en comparación con los otros modelos clínicos elaborados en el presente estudio, el índice de Youden fue 0.53. El área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0.75. Se obtuvo una sensibilidad de 71.5%, especificidad 72.1%, valor predictivo positivo 65.8%, valor predictivo negativo 91.2%. CONCLUSIONES: El uso del índice de pulsatilidad promedio de la arteria uterina asociado a la edad materna contribuyen a la formación de un modelo para discriminar RCIU; sin embargo, requiere de otros factores que permitan ajustar el modelo para una mayor tasa de detección.

INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine growth restriction represents an important perinatal morbimortality and its detection varies according to clinical models and characteristics of each population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if uterine artery Doppler and maternal age conform a clinical model with predictive capacity of intrauterine growth restriction in a wide sample of Peruvian population. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Observational, analytical, diagnostic test study. A total of 1344 pregnant women attended a national maternal perinatal reference center Level III in Peru between 2010-2018. The sample was randomly selected and divided: training sample and validation sample. In the analysis, multivariate analysis and measurement of diagnostic and predictive capabilities were applied. RESULTS: The clinical model formed by the average pulsatility index greater than the 95th percentile of the uterine artery and maternal age greater than 35 years made up the model with the lowest Akaike's penalty indicator compared to the other clinical models developed in the present study, Youden's index was 0.53. The area under the ROC curve 0.75. Sensitivity 71.5%, specificity 72.1%, positive predictive value 65.8%, negative predictive value 91.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the average pulsatility index of the uterine artery associated with maternal age contributes to the formation of a model to discriminate IUGR; however, it requires other factors to adjust the model for a higher detection rate.

Uterine artery doppler in screening for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction / Doppler das artérias uterinas no rastreamento para pré-eclâmpsia e restrição do crescimento fetal

Abstract Objective To perform a comprehensive review of the current evidence on the role of uterine artery Doppler, isolated or in combination with other markers, in screening for preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the general population. The review included recently published large cohort studies and randomized trials. Methods A search of the literature was conducted usingMedline, PubMed, MeSH and ScienceDirect. Combinations of the search terms "preeclampsia," "screening," "prediction," "Doppler," "Doppler velocimetry," "fetal growth restriction," "small for gestational age" and "uterine artery" were used. Articles in English (excluding reviews) reporting the use of uterine artery Doppler in screening for PE and FGR were included. Results Thirty articles were included. As a single predictor, uterine artery Doppler detects less than 50% of the cases of PE and no more than 40% of the pregnancies affected by FGR. Logistic regression-based models that allow calculation of individual risk based on the combination of multiple markers, in turn, is able to detect ~ 75% of the cases of preterm PE and 55% of the pregnancies resulting in small for gestational age infants. Conclusion The use of uterine artery Doppler as a single predictive test for PE and FGR has poor accuracy. However, its combined use in predictive models is promising, being more accurate in detecting preterm PE than FGR.

Resumo Objetivo Realizar revisão da literatura científica acerca do uso do Doppler das artérias uterinas, de forma isolada ou em combinação com outros marcadores, no rastreamento para pré-eclâmpsia (PE) e restrição do crescimento fetal (RCF) na população geral. A revisão incluiu estudos de coorte e ensaios clínicos randomizados recentemente publicados. Métodos Realizou-se uma pesquisa da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, PubMed, MeSH e ScienceDirect. Diferentes combinações dos termos "preeclampsia," "screening," "prediction," "Doppler," "Doppler velocimetry," "fetal growth restriction," "small for gestational age" e "uterine artery" foram utilizadas. Artigos eminglês, (excluindo-se artigos de revisão) em que o Doppler das artérias uterinas é reportado como ferramenta no rastreamento para PE e RCF foram incluídos. Resultados Trinta artigos foram incluídos. Como teste preditivo isolado, o Doppler das artérias uterinas tem sensibilidade inferior a 50% na detecção de casos de PE e inferior a 40% para identificação de gestações afetadas por RCF. Modelos matemáticos preditivos baseados em equações de regressão logística que permitem o cálculo de risco individual, por sua vez, são mais promissores, permitindo a detecção de 75% dos casos de PE pré-termo, e 55% das gestações que resultarão emparto de recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional. Conclusão O uso do Doppler das artérias uterinas tem baixa acurácia na identificação de gestações afetadas por PE e RCF. No entanto, seu uso combinado com outros marcadores é mais promissor, apresentando maior acurácia para detecção de PE do que para RCF.

Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry of Uterine Leiomyomas in Nigerian Women / Dopplervelocimetria da artéria uterina de leiomiomas uterinos em mulheres nigerianas

Abstract Objective To describe the blood flow velocities and impedance indices changes in the uterine arteries of leiomyomatous uteri using Doppler sonography. Methods This was a prospective, case-control study conducted on 140 premenopausal women with sonographic diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma and 140 premenopausal controls without leiomyomas. Pelvic sonography was performed to diagnose and characterize the leiomyomas. The hemodynamics of the ascending branches of both main uterine arteries was assessed by Doppler interrogation. Statistical analysis was performed mainly using non-parametric tests. Results The median uterine volume of the subjects was 556 cm3, while that of the controls was 90.5 cm3 (p < 0.001). The mean peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMX), time-averaged mean velocity (Tmean), acceleration time (AT), acceleration index (AI), diastolic/systolic ratio (DSR), diastolic average ratio (DAR), and inverse pulsatility index (PI) were significantly higher in the subjects (94.2 cm/s, 29.7 cm/s, 49.1 cm/s, 25.5 cm/s, 118 ms, 0.8, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.8 respectively) compared with the controls (54.2 cm/s, 7.7 cm/s, 20.0 cm/s, 10.0 cm/s, 92.0 ms, 0.6, 0.1, 0.4, and 0.4 respectively); p < 0.001 for all values. Conversely, the mean PI, resistivity index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (SDR) and impedance index (ImI) of the subjects (1.52, 0.70, 3.81, and 3.81 respectively) were significantly lower than those of the controls (2.38, 0.86, 7.23, and 7.24 respectively); p < 0.001 for all values. Conclusion There is a significantly increased perfusion of leiomyomatous uteri that is most likely due to uterine enlargement.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever as velocidades do fluxo sanguíneo e as alterações dos índices de impedância nas artérias uterinas leiomiomatoso utilizando a ultrassonografia Doppler. Métodos Estudo prospectivo, caso-controle, realizado em 140 mulheres pré-menopáusicas com diagnóstico ultrassonográfico de leiomioma uterino e em 140 controles na pré-menopausa sem leiomiomas. A ultrassonografia pélvica foi realizada para diagnosticar e caracterizar os leiomiomas. A hemodinâmica dos ramos ascendentes de ambas as artérias uterinas principais foi avaliada por meio de interrogatório Doppler. A análise estatística foi feita principalmente por meio de testes não paramétricos. Resultados A média do volume uterino dos das pacientes foi de 556 cm3, enquanto a dos controles foi de 90,5 cm3 (p < 0,001). A média de velocidade de pico sistólico (VPS), a velocidade diastólica final (VDF), a velocidade máxima do tempo médio (VMTM), a velocidade média do tempo médio (VMdTM), o tempo de aceleração (TA), o índice de aceleração (IA), a relação diástole/sístole (RDS), a proporção diastólica média (PDM) e o índice de pulsatilidade (IP) inversa foram significativamente maiores em pacientes (94,2 cm/s, 29,7 cm/s, 49,1 cm/s, 25,5 cm/s, 118 ms, 0,8, 0,3, 0,6 e 0,8, respectivamente) do que nos controles (54,2 cm/s, 7,7 cm/s, 20,0 cm/s, 10,0 cm/s, 92,0 ms, 0,6, 0,1, 0,4 e 0,4, respectivamente); p < 0,001 para todos os valores. Por outro lado, o IPmédio, o índice de resistividade (IR), a relação sístole/diástole (RSD) e o índice de impedância (II) nas pacientes (1,52, 0,70, 3,81 e 3,81, respectivamente) foram significativamente mais baixos do que os dos controles (2,38, 0,86, 7,23 e 7,24, respectivamente); p < 0,001 para todos os valores. Conclusão Existe um aumento significativo da perfusão dos úteros leiomiomatosos, que provavelmente se deve ao alargamento uterino.

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.

Malformacion uterina arteriovenosa / Uterine arteriovenous malformation

RESUMEN La malformación arteriovenosa uterina (MAVU) es una causa poco frecuente de sangrado uterino, dado que en la mayoría de casos cursa de forma asintomática. Las MAVU son dilataciones varicosas arteriovenosas intramiometriales sin afectación capilar. Plantean un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico en el esfuerzo de la preservación de la fertilidad, constituyéndose la embolización como su principal tratamiento. En la actualidad, el estándar de oro para el diagnóstico de esta patología es la angiografía. Sin embargo, las modalidades menos invasivas como la ecografía Doppler color se utilizan cada vez más para el diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 20 años de edad, con antecedente de embarazo molar y sangrado menstrual excesivo debido a MAVU.

ABSTRACT Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVMV) is a rare cause of uterine bleeding, since most cases are asymptomatic. The MAVU are intramyometrial arteriovenous variceal dilatations without capillary involvement. They propouse a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in the effort for preservation of fertility, constituting the embolization its main treatment. At present, the gold standard for the diagnosis of this pathology is angiography. However, less invasive modalities such as color Doppler ultrasound are increasingly used for diagnosis. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman with a history of molar pregnancy and excessive menstrual bleeding due to MAVU.

Influence of maternal anemia on placental volume with study of uterine artery doppler

To study the influence of maternal hematocrit [Ht] and hemoglobin [Hb] level on placental volume with study of uterine artery Doppler. In this prospective study 40 pregnant [singleton pregnancy] cases were selected from the outpatient clinic of Alzahra university Hospital. They were divided into two groups the study group [20 cases] were anemic[iron deficiency] and the control group[20cases] were healthy. For each case two scans for the placenta and fetal growth were performed, the first at recruitment and the second 5 weeks later. Placenta volume was measured at each visit using three dimensional ultrasound. The maternal Hb and [Ht] were measured in each visit. It revealed a non statistical significance between maternal hemoglobin, hematocrit and placental volume during the 1[st] visit and 2[nd] visit in anemic group compared to the control group. As regards Doppler study of the uterine artery in the present study it was noted that the pulsatility index and resistance index showed a non significant increase in the anemic group compared to the control group. Maternal iron deficiency anemia can affect placental growth and development. Placental volume increased with mild anemia during the first trimester but has no significant effect of fetal growth. The use of 3D ultrasound is more accurate and efficient safe technique of great value in evaluating placental growth and volume. Also, the study of uterine artery blood flow during the mid second trimester showed a non significant increase of RI and PI with maternal anemia. Further study are needed for the effect of anemia on fetal growth during preconceptional, first, second, third trimester and the outcome of pregnancy

[ relationship between first trimester uterine artery doppler measurements and the devlopment of term and preterm pre-eclampsia]

To assess the relationship between first trimester uterine artery Doppler measurements and the development of term and preterm pre-eclampsia. This prospective study of uterine artery Doppler findings at 11-14 weeks in 3058 singleton pregnancies, included 57 and 33 cases of term and preterm preeclampsia, respectively. The first-trimester uterine artery resistance index [RI] was significantly higher in women who subsequently developed preterm pre-eclampsia [mean RI, 0.79] than in those with a normal outcome [mean RI, 0.70; p=0.0001] or those who developed pre-eclampsia at term [mean RI, 0.72; p=0.002]. There were no significant differences in first-trimester mean uterine artery RI [p=0.136] or prevalence of bilateral notches [p=0.459] between women who had a normal pregnancy outcome and those who developed pre-eclampsia at term. The receiver-operating characteristics curves for the prediction of term and preterm pre-eclampsia by uterine artery Doppler imaging demonstrated a significant association with development of preterm pre-eclampsia [p=0.0001; area under the curve [AUC], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.86] but not term pre-eclampsia [p=0.25; AUC, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.46-0.63]. The uterine artery Doppler data in this study suggest that preterm pre-eclampsia is strongly associated with defective invasion of the spiral arteries, in contrast to the findings in term pre-eclampsia which may be a consequence of placental deterioration at term. We support separation between the etiology of early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia, there is a strong relationship between first-trimester uterine artery Doppler indices and the subsequent development of preterm pre-eclampsia

Association of hypertriglyceridaemia with pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes and uterine artery pulsatility index.

Background. We aimed to determine whether high plasma triglyceride levels in the second trimester of pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia and high uterine artery pulsatility index. Methods. This prospective cohort study was done between 2008 and 2010. Plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were measured after 8 hours of overnight fasting. We compared the outcomes of 45 pregnant women who had high triglyceride levels (>195 mg/dl) with 135 pregnant women with triglyceride levels <195 mg/dl. The main outcome measures were the incidence of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and uterine artery pulsatility index. Results. Eight women with high triglyceride levels had preeclampsia (17.8% v. 3.7% in the control group, p<0.004), preterm birth occurred in 24.4% and 5.9% in the high triglyceride group and the control group, respectively (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.9–13.8, p<0.0001). The incidence of gestational diabetes in the high triglyceride group was significantly higher than that in the control group. There was no difference in uterine artery Doppler ultrasound between the two groups. Conclusion. There is a positive relation between hypertriglyceridaemia and pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes.

Uterine-umbilical artery doppler velocimetry and pregnancy outcome in SLE patients: relation to disease manifestations and activity

To evaluate the uterine-umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry and determine its relation to pregnancy outcome and disease manifestations in SLE patients. Blood flow velocity waveforms of the umbilical and uterine arteries were studied by color Doppler ultrasound in 36 pregnant SLE patients referred from the Rheumatology Department for follow up and delivery in the Obstetrics Department. Resistance index [RI] and pulsality index [PI] were measured at the 1st week and then every 4 weeks from the 20th and 30th weeks till delivery. The mean age was 27.33 +/- 4.03 years and disease duration of 5.72 +/- 2.57 years. The nulliparity rate and history of previous abortions were higher in those with poor fetal outcome [50% and 62.5%, respectively]. Lupus anticoagulants and anticardiolipin were obviously higher in those with a poor outcome [25% and 37.5%, respectively] with a higher association with APS in spite of anticoagulation. The SLEDAI was higher in those with a poor fetal outcome and the difference reached significance at the 24th week gestation [12.13]. Eight [22.22%] of the patients had abnormal fetal outcome: 5 IUGR [13.89%], 1 IUFD [2.78%] and 2 [5.55%] with missed abortion. Uterine and umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities were higher in those with poor obstetric outcomes and were earlier revealed by the uterine. Uterine artery Doppler seems to be an earlier prognostic factor for adverse outcomes compared to umbilical in SLE patients at high risk, allowing antepartum intensive care and optimal timing of delivery to early confirm a good pregnancy outcome

[Effect of aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia in women with abnormal ultrasonic findings in uterine artery]

Prevention of preeclampsia is very important in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of aspirin in the prevention of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancies with abnormal findings at uterine artery in doppler ultrasound among women referred to Shabih- Khani hospital in Kashan. In this clinical trial study, women predisposed to preeclampsia at 12-16 weeks of gestation were evaluated by uterine artery doppler ultrasound and in the case of abnormal findings, they were randomly divided into two groups, experimental [n=40] and control [n=40] groups. The experimental group was received aspirin 80 mg/day. Groups were followed up until delivery and pregnancy outcomes [e.g. incidence of preeclampsia, IUGR, preterm labour, 1st and 5th min APGAR less than 5, delivery type and birth weight] were analyzed. The incidence of preeclampsia in experimental [aspirin] group and control group were 2.5%, 22.5%, respectively. In addition, the risk of preeclampsia was 9 folds more than that of control group [P=0.007]. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in the type of delivery, birth weight and gestational age. Aspirin administration during 12-16 weeks of pregnancy can decrease the incidence of preeclampsia in high-risk pregnancy with abnormal findings of uterine artery as a preventive measure

Prediction of pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction using uterine artery doppler ultrasound

Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction is an important cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the value of one step uterine artery Doppier at first and second trimester of pregnancy in the prediction of pre-eclampsia [PE] and /or intrauterine growth restriction [IUGR]. This cross section hospital based control study conducted at Alamal National Hospital from July 2010 to January 2011. The study included 50 women with singleton pregnancies at 12-24 weeks of gestation who had history of PIH low birth weight fetus and /or unexplained prenatal fetal death in their previous pregnancy. Uterine artery blood flow study, resentence index [RI] and Pulsitity Index [PI] of uterine artery were calculated. The study shows that 30% of this study population had high [RI] and [PI] with low blood flow. Most of the cases [73%] > 14 weeks of gestation, with average age of 37 years old.PIH were the most frequent risk factor. Doppier ultrasound provided more accurate prediction when performed in the second trimester than in the first trimester .An increased Resistivity and pulsitity index alone or with notching was the best predictor of pre-eclamsia among high risk patient and it is the most predictive Doppier indices

Prediction of pre-eclampsia and neonatal outcome by the combined use of early second trimester maternal serum homocysteine and uterine artery doppler velocimetry

To evaluate the value of combining early second trimester maternal serum homocysteine and uterine artery doppler velocimetry in the prediction of pregnancies that subsequently develop pre-eclampsia as well as neonatal outcome. This prospective observational study was conducted on eighty seven pregnant mothers [in their 16-19 gestational weeks] at risk to develop pre-eclampsia. All enrolled women should have one or more risk factors to develop pre-eclampsia. Mothers with medical disorders during the current pregnancy were excluded. All participants were investigated with maternal serum homocysteine assay and Doppler analysis of both uterine arteries. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for homocysteine levels, uterine artery resistance index, diastolic notch [unilateral, bilateral], and for the combination of both homocysteine levels and uterine artery Doppler studies. Pre-eclampsia had occurred in 28 out of the 87 participants [32.18%] of whom 17 cases were diagnosed as mild pre-eclampsia [19.54%] and 11 were diagnosed as severe disease [12.64%]. The mean +/- SD of uterine RI for all cases who developed severe pre-eclampsia was 0.62 +/- 0.09 while it was 0.58 +/- 0.06 in those who did not develop the disease all over their pregnancies and the difference was statistically significant [p=0.016]. Early diastolic notch was detected in 11 out of the 28 mothers who developed pre-eclampsia [39.29%; 5 unilateral and 6 bilateral] versus 4 out of the 59 women who passed uncomplicated pregnancies [6.78%; 2 unilateral and 2 bilateral]. This revealed a statistically significant different [p=0.001]. Serum levels of homocysteine was also significantly higher in cases who developed pre-eclampsia than controls. The median [range] of serum homocysteine in mothers who developed pre-eclampsia [mild and severe disease] was 6.24 [1.9 - 23.4] micro mol/l while in women passed uncomplicated pregnancy it was 5.1 [1.6-19.9] micro mol/l [p=0.024]. Out of all delivered neonates of preeclampsia mothers [31 neonates from 28 mothers], 9 neonates were classified to have poor prognosis [29.03%] all of them were from severe preeclamptic mothers. No early neonatal deaths were recorded. This prospective study confirms the value of combining early second trimester maternal serum homocysteine and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in the prediction of pregnancies that subsequently develop pre-eclampsia as well as neonatal outcome

Prediction of small-for-gestational age infents by quantitative assessment of diastolic notch in uterine artery flow velocity waveforms

To assess the performance and clinical usefulness of the notch depth index [NDI] in predicting small-for-gestational age infants [SGA] in comparison to the previously defined abnormalities in uterine blood flow velocity waveforms; peak systolic over protodiastolic velocities [A/C] ratio. Presence of protodiastolic notch and resistance index [RI]. This prospective clinical study included evaluation of pulsed Doppler abnormalities uterine artery velocity waveforms in 673 nulliparae with normal singleton pregnancies at 16-18 weeks and at 26 weeks gestation. Main outcome measures: Delivery of small for gestational age [SGA] infants. SGA developed in 11% of nulliparae. Although early Doppler screening was associated with high false positive results, yet two-stage screening avoided false negative cases. NDI was found to be a better predictor than other Doppler indices [A/C ratio, protodiastolic notch and RI]. NDI improved, both sensitivity and PPV as determined by other Doppler indices. NDI measurements were clinically useful in predicting for gestational age infant than other conventional Doppler indices

Study of using Doppler velocimetry of uterine and ovarian arteries in cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 54 cases with dysfunctional uterine bleeding done at the departments of Ob/Gyne and radiology during the period January 1999 to December 1999. The aim of the study -was to study the accuracy of using Doppler velocimetry study of the uterine and ovarian arteries in correlation to the histopathologic pattern of the endometrium in cases complaining of dysfunctional uterine bleeding in Suez Canal University Hospital. The results of this study indicated that the resistance index of both the uterine and ovarian arteries were significantly lower than normal in cases with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The Doppler ultrasound can't differentiate between the different types of endometrial patterns in cases with dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The uterine and ovarian arteries flow velocity waveforms have high specificity in detecting the endometrial pattern in cases with dysfunctional uterine bleeding