Comparative Analysis of Uterine Artery Doppler Indices in Non Pregnant Women with and without History of Miscarriage

Abstract

Miscarriage is very common and can have a physical and psychological impact. It has been found impaired uterine perfusion is a significant factor in giving up at pregnancy. Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine arteries is a non-invasive tool that allows measuring the uterine blood flow and vascular resistance expressed as Resistance Index (RI), Pulsatility Index (PI), Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) and Systolic/Diastolic (S/D) ratio [1,2]. A comparison of 55 miscarriage history women and 55 women without miscarriage age 18-30 years was assessed by this cross-sectional study. Transabdominal Doppler measurements of uterine arteries were made, and the data analyzed by independent t-tests, chi-square, Pearson correlation and binary logistic regression (p<0.05). Compared to controls, significantly higher RI, PI, and S/D ratios, and lower PSV were seen in women with a history of miscarriage. The following factors were independently associated with the risk of miscarriage: RI, PSV and S/D ratio (logistic regression) [3,4]. Such results point to the high association of abnormal Doppler indices of the uterine arteries with miscarriage history. Doppler ultrasonography of the uterus may be a useful non-invasive preconception screening and risk assessment tool for women of reproductive age women.

Keywords: Uterine Artery Doppler, Miscarriage, Resistance Index, Pulsatility Index, Peak Systolic Velocity, S/D Ratio