Role of second trimester uterine artery doppler in early prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction among high-risk Bahamian residents.

Background: Uterine artery doppler velocimetry has proven to be efficient in the prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. We aimed to determine its value among high-risk Bahamian women and the most predictive parameter.

Methods: We prospectively observed 128 women to detect the frequency of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction development in relation to uterine artery doppler velocimetry. The main outcome measures were resistance index, pulsatility index and notching.

Results: The mean difference of 0.082 (±0.011; 95% CI: -0.096, -0.069) in the resistance index and 0.122 (±0.011; 95% CI: -0.144, -0.100) in the pulsatility index between those without preeclampsia and those with, was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean RI had a better prognostic value than the mean pulsatility index (OR: 2.623E+51 (95% CI: 2.577E+25, 2.671E+77); p < 0.001. Notching showed a statistically significant with the development of intrauterine growth restriction.

Conclusion: The best predictor of preeclampsia was the Resistance Index indices, while end diastolic notching was the best predictor for intrauterine growth restriction.