Comparison of Umbilical Artery Doppler and Amniotic Fluid Index in Prediction of Obstetrical and Perinatal Outcome ≥34 Weeks of Gestation

Abstract

Objective: To compare the frequency of perinatal outcomes among patients with normal and abnormal Doppler.

Methodology: This descriptive case series study was conducted at the Department of Obs & Gynae, Pakistan Atomic Energy General Hospital H-11/4 Islamabad from June 2021 to December 2021. The included patients were evaluated by the researcher during the interview by filling out the Performa. Ultrasound was performed by the researcher. Doppler was performed in all oligohydramnios by the radiologist. Patients were divided into 2 groups, normal and abnormal Doppler. Perinatal outcome was compared between normal and abnormal Doppler by chi- square test. P value ≤ 0.05 was significant.

Results: In this study, the rate of LSCS was significantly higher in women whose Doppler findings were abnormal, i.e., normal: 23% vs. Abnormal: 61%, p-value=0.000. Women who had abnormal Doppler findings among them NICU admission rate was significantly higher as compared to women with normal Doppler findings.

Conclusion: Umbilical artery Doppler is an effective modality in women with oligohydramnios to rule out adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This modality can effectively be used to reduce and minimize the burden of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes.