Doppler ultrasound of the maternal uterine arteries: disappearance of abnormal waveforms and relation to birthweight and pregnancy outcome

Abstract

The timing of trophoblast invasion, as reflected by abnormal uterine artery waveforms, may have an effect on birthweight.

Prospective Evaluation of Uterine Artery Flow Velocity Waveforms at 12–14 and 22–24 Weeks of Gestation in Relation to Pregnancy Outcome and Birth Weight

“…The absence of spiral artery remodelling engenders the persistence of high-pressure blood flow resulting in reduced uteroplacental blood flow, which had previously been demonstrated in preeclampsia [14]. Based on screening at 20 and 26 weeks of gestation, Campbell et al [15] observed that the 'late normalizer' group (abnormal waveforms at 20 weeks but normal at 26 weeks) had intermediate birth weights. Hollis et al [16] recently reported a significant difference in birth weights between fetuses without and those with bilateral notches at 11-14 weeks of gestation.…”

The predictive value of the uterine artery pulsatility index during the early third trimester for the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes depending on the maternal obesity

“…Campbell et al investigated the relationship between abnormal uterine artery Doppler flow findings and the birth weight of neonates. They reported that, in patients with abnormal waves at 20 weeks, even though they were subsequently normalized until 26 weeks' gestation, the mean birth weight was on average 173 g lower than in those with a normal 20-week scan [18]. In the management of fetal growth restriction, uterine artery Doppler ultrasound is currently recommended to assess the severity of the abnormality and to differentiate between constitutional smallness and pathologic growth restriction [19].…”

The value of uterine artery Doppler and NT-proBNP levels in the second trimester to predict preeclampsia

“…Besides, uterine artery notch positivity continuing after the 26th week was considered a risk factor for poor perinatal outcomes [20,21]. In this manner, we compared the impact of preeclampsia prediction of NT-proBNP with notch positivity together with elevated PI values.…”