Reference values for Ductus Venosus pulsatility index between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks of Gestation: A Single-center Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

BackgroundThe ductus venosus pulsatility index(DVPI) has been evolved as an important marker of the first trimester screening sonography. The aim of this study is to define a reference for ductus venosus pulsatility index at 11–13 +6 weeks of gestation.MethodsIn this cross sectional observational study, 415 women with singleton pregnancies and crown lump length(CRL) between 45 and 84 mm were included. Exclusion criteria were abnormal biochemical screening results, presence of fetal structural malformation or chromosomal abnormalities such as thickened nuchal fold, abnormal perinatal outcomes, and newborns with a chromosomal abnormality. Transabdominal U/S was performed in all participants by an expert radiologist in obstetric sonography. CRL, nuchal translucency(NT), and blood flow indices of ductus venosus (DV) in each fetus were measured. The collected data were analyzed by IBM SPSS software version 20. Linear regression was performed to demonstrate the association between CRL DVPI. Further, 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles of DV blood flow indices were calculated for each gestational age.ResultThe mean value of DVPI ranged from 1.05 at CRL 42mm to 1.3 at CRL 82mm. DVPI and CRL did not show any significant linear association (Regression coefficient B=0.001, R2=0.003, P=0.31)Conclusion: We defined means and ranges of DVPI, while determining the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles of DVPI for each CRL at our institution which were approximately similar to previous studies.