Study of placental laterality with uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective To demonst rate if placental laterality combined with uterine artery Doppler can be used as a predictor for the development of preeclampsia. Background The uteroplacental blood flow may be deficient in cases with lateral placenta, and this may facilitate development of preeclampsia. Placenta is considered lateral when 75% or more of the placental mass is located at one side of the midline of uterine cavity. Uterine artery Doppler was done to all cases to find out high resistance index and abnormal protodiastolic notch in Doppler waveform. Patients and methods Ultrasonography was done for all participants at 18–22 weeks of pregnancy to determine the placenta location. Uterine artery Doppler was done for all cases at 18–24 weeks of gestation to find out the presence of protodiastolic notch and high resistance index. Results Of 73 cases with lateral placenta and high uterine artery resistance index, 56 (76.7%) cases developed preeclampsia (P = 0.026). Moreover, among 77 cases with lateral and presented protodiastolic notch, 57 (74%) cases developed preeclampsia (P = 0.050). Conclusion The risk of developing preeclampsia is significantly increased when lateral placentas are associated with uterine artery Doppler abnormality.