Role of Uterine Artery Doppler in the Prediction of Preeclampsia: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early prediction of preeclampsia allows timely intervention and close antenatal surveillance. Uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography has emerged as a useful noninvasive tool for assessing uteroplacental circulation and identifying women at risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of uterine artery Doppler in identifying pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among 70 antenatal women between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation attending a tertiary care hospital. Participants underwent uterine artery Doppler assessment for pulsatility index, resistance index, and presence of early diastolic notch. Women were followed until delivery for the development of preeclampsia. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Chi-square test was used to determine associations, and diagnostic accuracy indices were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among the 70 participants, 16 (22.9%) developed preeclampsia. Abnormal uterine artery Doppler findings were observed in 21 (30%) women. Preeclampsia developed in 57.1% of women with abnormal Doppler findings compared to 8.2% with normal Doppler findings, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Increased pulsatility index and bilateral early diastolic notch showed strong association with subsequent development of preeclampsia. Uterine artery Doppler demonstrated a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 83.3%, positive predictive value of 57.1%, and negative predictive value of 91.8%.

Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler is an effective noninvasive screening tool for early prediction of preeclampsia and can aid in identifying high-risk pregnancies for closer monitoring and timely management.