Hypertension and Uterine Artery Waveform

Background: Pregnancy Induced Hypertension is a multisystem heterogeneous disorder occurring in 4-7% of all pregnancies. Fetal villi in the intervillous space at fetomaternal interphase show ischemic, oxidative and immune mediated damage. This study was conducted to outline the relation between abnormal uterine artery flow and perinatal outcome in a tertiary care center.

Objectives: To assess the relationship between uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index and adverse perinatal outcome.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved Doppler ultrasound examination of the uterine arteries at 20-23 weeks gestation in 697 women with singleton pregnancies attending a routine target scan. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) was recorded in 57(8.18%) of all pregnancies.

Results: High pulsatility index (>95th percentile) as compared to low pulsatility Index is a good tool for the prediction of PIH (sensitivity 91.23% and specificity 99.06%, p<0.05).

Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler has better detection rates for early onset PIH and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). It also has high specificity in the prediction of preterm labor and abruption of placenta.