New score by color Doppler ultrasound indicating placental vascular resistance and pregnancy outcome in high-risk pregnancy

Abstract

Aim of the workTo evaluate the role of the new placental score (PLS) by combining the Doppler umbilical artery score (blood flow classes, BFC) and the uterine artery score (UAS) to predict the pregnancy outcome in high risk pregnancy. Patients and methodsForty pregnant ladies with high risk pregnancy were included in the study. The UAS and the BFC were combined to form a placental score (PLS) as an expression of general placental vascular resistance PLS=BFC+UAS, with figures in the range 0–7. Serial examinations were performed for each patient, in the 3d trimester. The results of last examination were related to the three perinatal outcome variables; premature birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and delivery by cesarean section (CS). ResultsThe relation between placental score and pregnancy outcome revealed – score (0) in 62.5% of patients, which was significant for CS (52%) followed by SGA+CS (28%) – score (I) in 20% of patients, was significant for CS (50%) and SGA (37.5%) – score (II) in 12.5% of patients, was mainly significant for preterm delivery+SGA (80%) – score (III) in 5% of patients, was highly significant for CS+preterm delivery (100%). ConclusionThe new PLS showed a better relationship to adverse perinatal outcome than the BFC and the UAS. The PLS can simplify evaluation of uteroplacental and fetoplacental Doppler velocimetry.