Embryosonographic features: can they predict the fate in cases of threatened abortion?

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the prognostic value of different sonographic milestones of embryonic life in cases of first trimester threatened abortion. Two hundred pregnant females in their first trimester were recruited in the study. One hundred and fifty women with a diagnosis of threatened abortion constituted the study group and fifty matched controls of uncomplicated pregnancy served as a control group. All study patients were subjected to vaginal sonography to evaluate milestones of embryonic life and Doppler ultrasound study of uterine artery waveforms. Serial weekly examination were done till the end of first trimester. Seven hundred and thirty scans are performed to evaluate the following crown-rump length, gestational age, mean sac diameter, yolk sac, liquor volume, placentation site, embryonic cardiac rate, retro-chorial hematomas and cervical length. Doppler studies of uterine and spiral arteries were also done. Our results have shown significant relations between these findings and the prognosis of cases at risk for abortion. The milestones that adversely affect the prognosis in pregnancies at risk for abortion include fetal bradycardia, retarded growth of the fetus, small sac size, absence of yolk sac and S/D ratio of uterine arteries >4.5