Screening for placental insufficiency by transvaginal uterine artery Doppler at 22-24 weeks of gestation

Abstract

Objective: To determine the value of routine transvaginal color Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries at 22-24 weeks of gestation in the prediction of placental insufficiency. Methods: Women with singleton pregnancies scheduled for routine ultrasound scans at 22-24 weeks were offered Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries by transvaginal ultrasound. The pulsatility index (PI) was obtained for each artery and the mean value was calculated. A mean PI >95th percentile was considered increased. Screening characteristics for predicting placental insufficiency, defined as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction or intrauterine death, were calculated. Results: Doppler examination of the ute..