Fetal Aortic Isthmus Doppler Evaluation in Pre-Eclampsia Patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the role of fetal aortic isthmus (AoI) Doppler parameters in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in pre-eclampsia patients.

METHODS

This prospective study included 60 pre-eclampsia patients (divided into early-onset [EOPE] and late-onset [LOPE] groups) and 74 controls from Ankara Etlik City Hospital. Doppler parameters-such as aortic isthmus flow index (IFI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI)-were collected, and their associations with adverse perinatal outcomes were analyzed using ROC analysis.

RESULTS

In the EOPE group, gestational age, birth weight, and APGAR scores were significantly lower compared to the LOPE and control groups (p < 0.001). The EOPE group also showed significantly higher rates of NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) admission, preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and need for mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001). The cut-off values for IFI (> 1.13) and AoI S/D (> 7.42) were found to be significant predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

AoI Doppler parameters may aid in predicting adverse neonatal outcomes in pre-eclampsia patients. The values of IFI, S/D, PI, and RI show potential as useful tools in clinical management, especially in monitoring high-risk pregnancies.