DOPPLER ULTRASOUND FINDINGS IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY PRETERM LABOUR

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal and neonatal morbidity are higher in cases of preterm labour, especially if there is coexisting placental dysfunction and fetal compromise. Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that can be used to assess uterine and fetoplacental circulation and may be useful in identifying pregnancies at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.

Objective: To assess Doppler ultrasound parameters in pregnancies complicated by preterm labour and to assess the relationship between these parameters and fetal compromise and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study of 100 pregnant women who came to the hospital with a history of preterm labour between 28 and 36+6 weeks of gestation at a tertiary-care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from February to July 2025. Uterine artery, umbilical artery, and middle cerebral artery ultrasound Doppler evaluation was performed on participants. The cerebroplacental ratio was determined, and the patients were followed up until delivery. Maternal, obstetric, Doppler, and neonatal outcomes were recorded.

Results: Doppler abnormalities were found in 38% of the subjects. Abnormal cerebroplacental ratio (26%), abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (24%), abnormal middle cerebral artery Doppler (21%), and abnormal uterine artery Doppler (19%) were observed. Women with abnormal Doppler results were at higher risk for adverse outcomes, such as NICU admission, low birth weight, low Apgar score, respiratory morbidity, and emergency cesarean delivery.

Conclusion: Abnormal Doppler findings were associated with increased perinatal morbidity in pregnancies complicated by preterm labour. Doppler assessment can be used to assist in fetal monitoring and delivery planning.