The value of ultrasound spectra of middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery blood flow in adverse pregnancy outcomes

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound spectra of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) blood flow in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods Data from 202 late singleton pregnancies (32–34 weeks gestation) were analyzed. Group A included 155 normal pregnancies, while Group B comprised 47 high-risk pregnancies. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure and compare pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and end-systolic peak/end-diastolic peak (S/D) ratios of fetal MCA and UA between the groups. Results UA-related parameters (PI, RI, and S/D) were significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A, whereas MCA-related parameters (PI, RI, and S/D) were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. In pregnancies with adverse outcomes, fetal UtA and UA-related parameters were elevated, while MCA parameters were decreased compared to those with favorable outcomes. Conclusions Ultrasound spectra of MCA and UA blood flow provide valuable clinical information for assessing fetal intrauterine growth and predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.