Role of abnormal umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery flow velocity waveforms in predicting adverse perinatal outcome in intrauterine growth restriction (iugr) fetuses

Introduction: Arterial Doppler abnormalities, at the level of umbilical artery (UA) & middle cerebral artery (MCA), confirm the presence of hypoxemia in the growth restricted fetus & present early warning signs.Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality, morbidity. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to study role of abnormal umbilical artery & middle cerebral artery flow velocity waveforms in predicting adverse perinatal outcome in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Materials and Methods: Study of 50 suspected IUGR fetuses between 30 to 41 weeks of gestation using high resolution ultrasound machines. The Doppler studies of UA and MCA’s were performed and results were analysed. Results and Conclusion: In perinatal outcomes, the incidence of low Apgar score, NICU admissions and perinatal mortality was higher in abnormal umbilical artery S/D ratio group and abnormal middle cerebral artery S/D ratio.Hence abnormalities in the Umbilical artery flow velocity waveform should encourage closer fetal surveillance as fetal compromise seems to be very likely in this scenario.