A Study of Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery Peak Systolic Velocity to Diagnose Fetal Anemia in Rural Obstetric Population

Abstract

ABSTRACTGlobally, fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) is used for noninvasive diagnosis of fetal anemia. Although, incidence of anemia is common in rural setup, scientific studies describing utilization of this modality are lacking. This study throws light on how the use of fetal MCAPSV to diagnose fetal anemia can help in the decision-making process even in a rural setup.ContextFetal anemia can be adequately tackled only if it is diagnosed on time. Fetal MCA-PSV has the potential to reliably predict fetal anemia. Scientific studies across the globe are testimony to this fact. As such studies from rural setups are lacking, this study was initiated.AimsA study of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity to diagnose fetal anemia in rural obstetric population.Settings and designThe study was conducted in the ultrasound section of a rural medical college. Clearance from institutional ethical and research committee was obtained. Written informed consent was obtained from the pregnant mother. A prospective observational study was conducted over the last 12 months.Materials and methodsFetal MCA-PSV was measured in 26 pregnant women referred for ultrasound due to clinical suspicion of fetomaternal abnormality. Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity was measured by a single experienced radiologist on color Doppler ultrasound machine.Statistical analysis usedThe observations were entered in Microsoft Excel sheet, and statistical analysis was done by comparing with internationally accepted values at that gestational age. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to study the relation between fetal MCA-PSV and gestational age. Standard t-test was used to study the significance of difference.ResultsThere was a steady increase in MCA-PSV with rising gestational age suggestive of positive correlation between them. When compared with internationally accepted values, significantly raised fetal MCA-PSV values were seen in six patients. These patients were followed up and the cause of fetal anemia in each was identified.ConclusionFetal MCA-PSV can be successfully used to evaluate for anemia in fetuses in a rural setup provided correct methods are followed. An attempt to measure fetal MCA-PSV in face of every fetomaternal adversity is recommended so that none of the cases of fetal anemia go undiagnosed.Key messagesProper knowledge and routine measurement of fetal MCA-PSV value can be a life saving noninvasive practice to diagnose fetal anemia in a rural setup.How to cite this articleKachewar S, Gandage SG, Pawar HJ. A Study of Fetal Middle Cerebral Artery Peak Systolic Velocity to Diagnose Fetal Anemia in Rural Obstetric Population. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2013;4(3):83-87.