Altered cerebro-placental ratio is an early marker of adverse pregnancy outcome–a prospective study

Abstract

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a complex and common obstetric problem. It is associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality which accounts for about 10-15%. The diagnosis of FGR is made by clinical evaluation and ultrasonography. Objectives: To investigate the role of the efficacy of the cerebroplacental ratio as a marker of reduced fetal growth rate. To establish a relationship between Cerebro placental ratio at term with reduced fetal growth velocity and adverse pregnancy outcome. Methods: A Prospective study, in which study participants were subjected for Ultrasonography at 20 to 25 weeks for Abdominal Circumference and Ultrasonography above 35 weeks period of gestation were subjected to fetal biometry and Doppler studies. All Doppler indices will be converted into multiples of the median (MoM), correcting for gestational age using reference ranges, umbilical & middle cerebral arteries and birthweight values are converted into centiles. Results: Among 80 % of participants low cerebroplacental ratio were associated with low abdominal circumference and low growth velocity. The low cerebroplacental ratio risk is associated with the need for operative delivery. Conclusion: Altered Cerebroplacental ratio is the earlier marker of adverse fetal outcome than the biophysical profile. Low Cerebro placental ratio(<1) is associated with impaired fetal growth velocity and adverse pregnancy outcomes.