The prognostic role of uterine artery Doppler studies in patients with late-onset preeclampsia

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of outcome in patients with late-onset preeclampsia.

Study Design

Patients with late-onset preeclampsia underwent Doppler interrogation of the uterine arteries. Patients with abnormal uterine artery Doppler were compared with those who had a normal uterine artery Doppler.

Results

Ninety-nine patients were included in the study group. Abnormal uterine artery Doppler group presented significantly lower gestational age at admission (36.1 ± 2.1 weeks vs 37.2 ± 1.9 weeks; P < .005), lower gestational age at delivery (36.5 ± 1.9 weeks vs 37.7 ± 1.7 weeks; P < .005), lower birthweight (2429 ± 590 g vs 3013 ± 597 g; P < .0001), and a higher admission rate to neonatal intensive care unit (17/51 vs 6/48; odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-9.5). No significant difference in the occurrence of maternal complications (10/51 vs 6/48; odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-4.9) was registered.

Conclusion

Women with late-onset preeclampsia show a higher risk of perinatal complications if uterine resistance is increased although maternal outcome does not seem to be related to Doppler findings.

Key words: late-onset, preeclampsia, uterine artery Doppler