Impact of bladder filling on uterine artery Doppler variables in the first trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: Uterine artery (UtA) Doppler examination is used in the first trimester to assess the risk of developing preeclampsia, with a standardized technique. However, the impact of bladder filling on UtA circulatory impedance in pregnancy has not been previously studied. This study aimed to examine the effect of bladder distension on UtA-pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods:The authors conducted a prospective repeated-measure study on pregnant women presenting for first-trimester screening for preeclampsia. Right and left UtA Doppler velocimetry was first measured with a full bladder. Bladder volume was recorded. After the patients had voided their bladder, a repeat Doppler measurement was performed. The UtA PI and PSV were recorded on each side. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare UtA variables before and after bladder voiding.Results: The authors enrolled 45 patients. Mean gestational age at exam was 12.1 weeks. When women were studied with full bladder, median UtA-PI was 1.73 (inter-quartile range, [IQR] 1.49, 2.28) on the right and 1.71 (1.46, 2.11) on the left side. After bladder voiding, values were 1.83 (IQR 1.58, 2.20) and 1.78 (1.40, 2.18). The difference was not statistically significant (P = .26 and 0.80). Similarly, no difference was found in UtA-PSV before and after bladder voiding on either side (P = .22 and .70). Conclusion:In the first-trimester of pregnancy, bladder distension does not significantly modify uterine artery Doppler variables. , pregnancy, ultrasonography, urinary bladder, uterine artery K E Y W O R D S Doppler

The influence of vaginal progesterone on Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index

“…There was no significant difference for age between the groups (mean 28.7 ± 5.0 vs 28.8 ± 5.01; p = 0.885). Gestational age was no significant difference between the groups [median 12 (11)(12)(13) vs 12 (11)(12)(13); p = 0.224]. Gravida and parity were similar between the groups (p > 0.05).…”

“…External factors affecting PI values of uterine artery Doppler have been investigated previously in the literature. The effects of parameters such as patient position and emptiness/fullness of bladder were explored [11,12]. The relationship between progesterone use and uterine artery Doppler at the 11 th -14 th gestational weeks has not been specifically investigated in the literature.…”

First-trimester uterine artery Doppler: does it matter if the bladder is full or empty?

“…Serevalli et al [10] conducted a study on 45 pregnant women and they reported that they did not find any significant difference in the comparison of uterine artery Doppler measurements when bladder was full and empty. In their study conducted on 39 non-pregnant women, Battaglia et al [11] found significantly high Doppler indices when their bladders were full.…”

“…There are two studies in the literature performed on pregnant and nonpregnant women which investigate the impact of bladder fullness on the indices of uterine artery Doppler. [10,11] In our study, we aimed to investigate the impacts of the bladder fullness on the parameters of uterine artery Doppler in pregnant women.…”