Publication:

A prospective study to evaluate the role of routine early third trimester ultrasound in the diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction and prediction of adverse perinatal outcome using color Doppler

Background Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major and silent cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Rate of IUGR in developing countries is 6 times higher than that of developed countries. 14 to 20 million infants are affected with IUGR in developing countries annually. The highest incidence is found in south central Asia (33%) and India (21%). Aim of study was to evaluate the role of early 3rd trimester ultrasound in diagnosis and role of color Doppler in prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in IUGR.

Methods A prospective case-control study was conducted on 720 women admitted in GMH Rewa for one year. 360 antenatal cases diagnosed as IUGR on ultrasound were taken as study group, same number of non IUGR cases were taken as control. Study cases were followed with Doppler. The umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA PI), middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) and cerebro-placental ratio were calculated and the results were analysed.

Results Inferences drawn from the study were: rate of caesarean section was significantly higher (31%) in study group, perinatal outcome was poor in more number of cases (10.8%) in study group than the control group (3.4%), and the sensitivity and specificity of cerebroplacental ratio was more reliable indicator in comparison to that of UA PI and MCA PI in prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.

Conclusions Looking at the high burden of IUGR cases in our country and its adverse effects on perinatal outcome, if early third trimester ultrasound is made mandatory for all pregnant women, most of the IUGR cases can be detected and managed timely and perinatal outcome can be significantly improved.