Objective: To test the value of routine Doppler study of the umbilical artery to predict the perinatal outcome in pre-eclamptic patients.
Methods: Fetal wellbeing was assessed in 113 women with pre-eclampsia by weekly performed biophysical profile score (BPP) and Doppler study of the umbilical artery starting early in the third trimester till delivery.
Results: The last Doppler result before delivery was normal in 82 cases and abnormal in 31 cases. The group with abnormal Doppler had significantly higher blood pressure and serum uric acid level, and significantly lower platelet count than the group with normal Doppler. The incidence of IUGR, low Apgar score at 5 minutes, perinatal deaths and operative delivery for fetal distress was significantly higher in the group with abnormal Doppler.
Conclusions: The abnormal Doppler result usually precedes the appearance of abnormal BPP. The abnormal Doppler result helps to identify the fetus at risk that needs further surveillance.