An introduction to determination of mean Uterine Artery Doppler Pulsatility Index during pregnancy for Predicting Adverse Pregnancy Outcome

Objective: Preeclampsia and IUGR are known as the main causes of two adverse complications of pregnancies. Recently, uterine artery Doppler evaluation in first and second trimester has been used for screening of the above pregnancy-related complications. Study design: The goal of this study was to determine the most effective reference range value of mean PI in first. second and third trimesters in order to predict the adverse outcomes. This study was conducted in "Shariaff Hospital; Tehran medical University in the course of January 2014 and November 2017. Participants underwent ultrasound Doppler scans by a perinatalogist and were followed up until delivery. Mean PI (as compared between preeclampsia and IUGR groups) and the reference range value of PI (Pulsatility Index) for predicting adverse outcomes were determined. Three hundred and fifty pregnant women were included in this study. Result: Preeclampsia was detected in 132 (37.7%) and IUGR was seen in 134 (38.2%). Mean PI was significantly higher in preeclampsia and IUGR groups. Conclusion: The reference range for mean PI for predicting IUGR was found to be 1.82 with sensitivity and specificity of 53.4% and 87.5% (AUC=0.804 P<0.0001). The reference range for mean PI for predicting Preeclampsia was found to be 1.77 with sensitivity and specificity of 61.1% and 87.6% (AUC=0.761 P<0.0001). Application of uterine artery Doppler could be helpful in prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome.