The Role of Doppler Ultrasound in High Risk Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: 1.      To estimate the frequency of Doppler velocimetry in women with high- risk pregnancy. 2.      To analyze the outcomes in patients with and without Doppler velocimetry resulting in the management of high-risk pregnancy.

Study design, setting: A descriptive case-series study was conducted in department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Jinnah Post-graduate Medical Centre, Karachi.

Methodology:  A total of 135 pregnant  females,  who  were  admitted   through OPD and  ER of Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, ward-9 at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi were selected  included  in  the  study as per  inclusion criteria. Informed consent were signed by guardian or the patient by herself. The participant’s detailed history were elicited and thus to compare the outcomes in patients with and without Doppler velocimetry. Blood sample were taken from every patient for base line test like complete blood count, electrolytes, blood sugar level, blood urea, serum creatinine and others for each patient. All data information was noted on Performa.

Results: Overall 135 high risk pregnant women were participated in current study and were allocated into two groups; Group A 54(40%) women who underwent Doppler velocimetry and Group B or control group 81(60%) women without Doppler velocimetry. On comparison of the outcomes in patients with or without Doppler velocimetry in high risk pregnant women showed as; C/section was performed in 35(64.8%) vs. 63(77.8%) (P=0.098) cases, pre-term deliveries were found in 16(29.6%) vs. 38(46.9%) (P=0.045) cases, and abnormal amniotic fluid was seen in 25(46.3%) vs. 28(34.6%) (P=0.172) cases with and without Doppler velocimetry results, respectively.

Conclusion:  There was significant role of Doppler studies in the management of high risk pregnancies and perinatal as well as neonatal outcome but for each institution the role of Doppler studies in late pregnancy is being influenced by the usage of other tests of fetal wellbeing which are already well established in clinical practice. .

Keywords: Doppler ultrasound, high-risk pregnancies, pre-eclampsia