Effect of Color Doppler Indices on the Diagnosis of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in High-Risk Pregnancies: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effect of Color Doppler indices on intrauterine growth restriction diagnosis in high-risk pregnancies Study design: Across-sectional study Place and duration: This study was conducted at Al Shifa Hospital Quetta, Pakistan. from January 2020 to July 2020. Methodology: In this study, 100 patients with suspected intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in their 31 to 41 weeks of pregnancy have participated. The patients were studied till the babies were delivered. The Doppler indices and the grayscale results were correlated to the baby's weight. Result: The HC/AC ratio was found to be sensitive (84.4%). Whereas the most specific was oligohydramnios and C/U ratio that was 100% and 68.8% respectively. The lowest sensitivity was of the fetal MCA, which was 7.7%. Conclusion: For the diagnosis of IUGR, the highest specific parameter is oligohydramnios and the HC/AC ratio is very sensitive. However, the MCA PI should not be utilized for screening purposes in IUGR because it has very low sensitivity alone. C/U ratio is notably more specific than HC/AC ratio and more sensitive than oligohydramnios. It is the most appropriate parameter to use for the diagnosis of IUGR in the 3rd trimester. Keywords: IUGR,Fetal Doppler, Placentation and IUGR, C/U pulsatility ratio, Small for gestational age