Non-stress test versus umbilical artery Doppler as predictors of fetal acidosis at birth in pre eclamsia an intrauterine growth restriction

Abstract EN

Objective: The accuracy of bot h continuous waveform Doppler ultrasonography of the umbilical artery as well as the non-stress test (NST) to predict foetal acidosis via umbilical artery pHwith late onset preeclampsia (PET) and intrauterine growth retardation (lUGR).

Study design: A prospective study was done on 100 pregnant patients of clinically suspected lUGR and PETpregnancies Of 34-40 weeks at Woman's Health Hospital ofAsiut University during theperiodfrom September 2013 to May 2014.

Full history taking, as well as clinical examination, conventional ultrasound examination, umbilical artery Doppler, non-stress test and umbilical artery pHwere done andpregnancy outcome yvas determined.

Results: APGAR score was done for the studied women, the number andpercentage of APGAR score in 5 minutes was more in lUGRpatient (33-66%) than those ofPETgroup (14-28%).

NST was the best screening and most sensitive test in managing high risk pregnant women with placental insufficiency.

Umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound was most sensitive in women with lUGR, while umbilical artery pH was most sensitive in those with PET.

Conclusion: From the present study we concluded that the combination of umbilical artery Doppler indices and umbilical artery pH, non stess test (NST) as investigatory tools to predict neonatal outcome (foetal weight and APGAR score) was statistically significant for cases complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (lUGR) while umbilical artery Doppler indices did not reach the level of significance for women with PET and more data are needed to have a documented conclusion.