Prediction of Preeclampsia by uterine artery doppler

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the predictive value of uterine artery Doppler in gestational hypertensive disorders and to evaluate the best single marker (Doppler index) with highest sensitivity & specificity in the screening of pre-eclampsia. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at SKIMS Medical College Bemima) Srinagar. 226 enrolled subjects were subjected to uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at 22 to 24 weeks gestation and were followed throughout their antenatal course & outcome measured as pre eclampsia & gestational hypertension. Results: This was tabulated and calculated with statistical analysis. Among 226 nullipara, uterine artery Doppler abnormalities were detected in 34 (15%) of cases. 8 patients developed proteinuric hypertension (pre-eclampsia/eclampsia) with sensitivity & specificity of 80% and 88% respectively with positive predictive value & negative predictive value of 23.5% &98% respectively. 4 patients among 34 patients with abnormal second trimester uterine artery Doppler developed non-proteinuric hypertension (gestational hypertension) with sensitivity & specificity of 33.3% and 89% respectively with a negative predictive value of 96%. Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry is one of the vital tools for prediction of pre-eclampsia (proteinuric hypertension). Women with normal second trimester uterine artery Doppler velocimetry have low risk of developing obstetric complication-hypertensive disorders.