Uterine Artery Doppler as a Tool for Risk Stratification in Preeclampsia: A Comparative Descriptive Study of Perinatal Associations

Sadek, Reem Ahmed; Osman, Nasr; El Gelany, Saad; Sayed, Manar M.

doi:10.21608/mjmr.2022.395302.1996

Uterine Artery Doppler as a Tool for Risk Stratification in Preeclampsia: A Comparative Descriptive Study of Perinatal Associations

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Radiology department, faculty of medicine minya University, minya, Egypt

² radiology department ,faculty of medicine ,minia university

³ Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine – Minia University, Egypt.

⁴ Radiology Department , Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt

10.21608/mjmr.2022.395302.1996

Abstract

Background:

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder related to considerable maternal and perinatal morbidity, largely due to placental insufficiency. While uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography is recognized for predicting preeclampsia, its role in stratifying perinatal risk among already diagnosed patients requires further evaluation.

Objective:

To compare uterine artery Doppler indices between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies and assess their association with adverse perinatal results, involving preterm birth, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Methods:

This prospective comparative descriptive research was conducted at Minia University Hospital, Egypt, between September 2024 and April 2025. Sixty pregnant women between 20–34 weeks of gestation were enrolled: 30 with preeclampsia and 30 healthy controls. All participants underwent transabdominal uterine artery Doppler to assess pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and early diastolic notching. Perinatal outcomes were recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results:

Abnormal Doppler findings were significantly more prevalent in the preeclamptic group (60%) compared to controls (10%; p < 0.001). Among preeclamptic patients, those with abnormal Doppler parameters had a higher rate of preterm delivery (66.7% vs. 25%; p = 0.021). Overall, preeclamptic pregnancies were associated with increased rates of FGR (33.3% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.003), preterm birth (50% vs. 6.7%; p < 0.001), and NICU admission (40% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Uterine artery Doppler abnormalities are significantly related to preeclampsia and adverse perinatal results, highlighting its value in risk stratification and clinical management of affected pregnancies.

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