INVESTIGATING THE APPLICATION OF COLOR DOPPLER TO EVALUATE INTRAUTERINE FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND LIMITATIONS

Abstract

Background: Previous research indicated that in people with IUGR (intrauterine growth retardation), color Doppler is a more 
sensitive indication for predicting neonatal mortality. However, there is a dearth of information in the literature currently 
available on measuring the possible importance of color Doppler, either by itself or in combination with other Doppler indices, 
as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes. 
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of color Doppler in determining intrauterine growth limitations 
with potential therapeutic applications.  
Methods: This study evaluated 100 pregnant women who were recommended for obstetrics color Doppler ultrasound after it 
was determined that their fetus had intrauterine growth limitation based on greyscale ultrasound results.  
Results: Uterine RI was high in 70% (n=70) of mother subjects and normal in 30% (n=30) of participants. In 62% (n=62) of 
the uterine arteries, a persistent early diagnostic notch was observed. Seventy-four percent (n=74) of the females had abnormal 
uterine artery flow velocity profiles in IUGR. Females had an increased umbilical artery PI in 62% (n=62). In 18% (n=18) 
and 6% (n=6) of the individuals, respectively, end-diastolic umbilical artery absence and reversal were seen. 82% (n=82) of 
the females had abnormalities in either the uterine or umbilical arteries.  
Conclusions: Because Doppler imaging can provide indirect indicators of fetal damage and shows improved outcomes in 
high-risk pregnancies with IUGR, the current study suggests that it is a helpful monitoring tool throughout pregnancy. 
Therefore, all other monitoring modalities benefit from doppler evaluation.