Abnormal Umblical Artery Doppler is Utilized for Fetuses with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Birth at 280/7-336/7 Gestational Weeks.

Purpose: To compare short-term perinatal outcomes in preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in those with absent or reversed end-diastolic umbilical artery blood flow (AREDF) to those with normal end-diastolic umbilical artery blood flow (NEDF).

Methods

This study included preterm births (280/7-336/7 gestational weeks) with IUGR with AREDF (n = 86) or NEDF (n = 27).

Results

There were lower mean gestational weeks, birth weights, and a higher ratio of corticosteroid application in the AREDF group (p < 0.05). The mean length of neonatal intensive care unit stay of the AREDF group was significantly longer (p < 0.001). Sepsis and feeding intolerance ratios in the AREDF group were also significantly higher (p = 0.041 and p < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with IUGR and umbilical Doppler abnormalities have longer neonatal intensive care unit stays.