Color Doppler in high-risk pregnancies

Recent advancements in medical science have significantly contributed to the optimal care provided to women during their pregnancy journey. Rigorous monitoring, including clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and radiographic evaluations at specific intervals, ensures comprehensive oversight throughout the pregnancy. A new study investigated the utility of Doppler ultrasound in managing pregnancies with high-risk factors.

This was a prospective comparative study carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Government Medical College, Nagpur – spanning 12 months. The study selected 232 participants.

Among the participants, two had chronic hypertension, two had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), one had gestational hypertension, three had anemia, six had heart disease, five were HIV positive, 15 had hypothyroidism, two had increased blood pressure, one had overt diabetes mellitus (DM), six had pre-eclampsia, one had a history of previous abortion, four were Rh negative, five had sickle cell disease (SS), and 15 had sickle cell trait (AS). The distribution of normal Doppler changes in cases based on high-risk factors was statistically significant.

The results indicated a statistically significant association between NICU admission and Doppler changes. However, the relationship between baby weight and Doppler changes in the uterine artery, as well as baby weight and Doppler changes in the umbilical artery, did not exhibit statistical significance.

Source: Wadekar P S, Sonak M. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res. 2023 (Ahead of Print)