Comparision of Doppler Indices and Cord Blood PH Parameters Among Intrauterine Growth Restricted Fetuses

Objectives: Assessment of pregnancy outcomes among intrauterine growth restricted fetuses with Doppler indices and cord blood gases Methods: This study was conducted in May 2014 and January 2015. A total of 32 cases who had intrauterine growth restricted fetuses were included in this study. Cases were grouped as normal flow in the umblical artery (n=17) and absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (11 and 4 cases respectively). In addition to these cases, 3 cases had reversed a waveform in ductus venosus. Results: There was no neonatal mortality among the cases had normal flow in the umblical artery. However, mortality rate was %40 (n=6) among the cases had absent or reversed end-diastolic flow. The mean birth weights were 2118gr in the normal group and 968gr in the abnormal umblical artery Doppler group (p:0.001). The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes was higher in the normal flow group (7,65) than the abnormal umblical artery Doppler group (6,27) and this difference was statistically significant (p:0.001). The neonatal intensive care admissions were significantly increased in the abnormal group. The mean durations of hospitalization were 6,58 days in normal group and 39,93 days in abnormal group. The mean umbilical arterial pH and base excess were significantly higher in the normal group (p:0.016, p:0.004). The mean umblical arterial pH of normal group and abnormal group were 7,33 and 7,24 respectively. Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between pregnancy outcome in IUGR fetuses and abnormal uterine artery doppler waveform (absent or reversed) and ductus venosus waveform. Furthermore, Doppler examination can be safely used to management of these fetuses and to determine delivery time. Also, delivery of IUGR fetuses before detection of absent a wave in the ductus venosus should be considered