Role of Color Doppler Velocimetry in Diagnosing Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Predicting Adverse Perinatal Outcomes
Keywords:
Intrauterine growth restriction Doppler velocimetry Placental insufficiency Fetal circulation Umbilical arteryAbstract
Introduction: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is a condition where the fetus does not reach its expected growth potential, commonly resulting from placental insufficiency, maternal hypertension, diabetes, or lifestyle factors. Accurate diagnosis and timely management are essential to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. Doppler velocimetry is an invaluable tool for assessing fetal circulation and placental function in pregnancies at risk of IUGR.
Aim and Objective: The study aims to evaluate the role of color Doppler indices in diagnosing IUGR, focusing on the utility of Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and ductus venosus in high-risk singleton pregnancies.
Materials and Methods: A single-centric, prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Tumkur, over 24 months. A total of 100 high-risk pregnant women with suspected IUGR were included based on ultrasound findings of estimated fetal weight and
abdominal circumference below the 10th percentile. Color Doppler indices were analyzed, and data were statistically compared to assess their predictive value.
Results: The majority of cases (39%) were between 31–35 weeks of gestation. Elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index (67%) and abnormal uterine artery flow (74%) were observed, with an abnormal MCA/UA PI ratio (<1.08) in 65%, indicating brain-sparing physiology. Doppler indices, especially UA PI and MCA/UA PI, showed high sensitivity in predicting
adverse perinatal outcomes.
Conclusion: Doppler velocimetry is a reliable diagnostic tool for identifying IUGR and guiding obstetric management. The study underscores the importance of integrating Doppler assessments into routine antenatal screening for high-risk pregnancies to ensure early intervention and improve fetal outcomes.
