Publication:

The role of modified biophysical profile in predicting perinatal outcome in high risk pregnancies

Background The goal of antepartum fetal surveillance is early identification of the compromised fetus and timely intervention when the fetus is at risk, but still in an uncompromised state. Modified Biophysical Profile (MBPP) includes Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) and non stress test (NST). AFI is a marker of long term placental function and NST is a marker of short term fetal condition. The aim of this study is to assess the role of Modified Biophysical Profile in high risk pregnancies and assess perinatal outcome and to study the impact of NST and AFI individually in high risk pregnancies.

Methods 100 ANC patients with high risk factors were evaluated with modified biophysical profile 37 week onwards with non stress test (NST) for 20 mins and amniotic fluid index (AFI) with 4 quadrant technique. High risk pregnancies include preeclampsia, IUGR, oligohydramnios, postdated pregnancy, etc. and various parameters were assessed to determine perinatal and maternal morbidity. All parameters were statistically analyzed.

Results The above study states that need for LSCS, intrapartum fetal distress, meconium stained liquor, APGAR score, need for neonatal resuscitation and perinatal morbidity were definitely higher in cases with abnormal MBPP.

Conclusions Thus MBPP is an easy, cost effective and time saving measure and hence can be used as a primary antepartum fetal surveillance test to predict perinatal outcome and provide timely intervention in high risk pregnancies.