Doppler Uterine Artery Flow Velocimetry in Prediction of Preterm Labor

"nIntroduction: To evaluate the role of Doppler waveforms of the uterine vessels in predicting preterm labor. "nMaterials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the uterine artery Doppler findings of 28 15-25 week singleton pregnancies with a spontaneous preterm labor were compared to 326 pregnancies delivered at term. 354 women who presented to our medical center from April 20, 2008 to November 20, 2008 were enrolled in the study. Pulsed-wave Doppler measurements were made of the maternal uterine arteries. These women were followed up until delivery. "nResults: The uterine artery mean resistance index (RI) was 0.76 and 0.66 in the preterm and term delivery groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Bilateral diastolic notches were present in 41% of the preterm deliveries and 27% of the controls (P < 0.05). The mean pulsatility index (PI) was 1.40 and 1.83 (46%) in the term and preterm delivery groups, respectively (P < 0.05). "nConclusion: Doppler of the uterine vessels could prove to be a good predictor of preterm labor. "nKey words: premature labor, prenatal diagnosis, uterus blood supply, pregnancy, ultrasound, color Doppler.