EP08.54: Uterine arteries pulsatility index in the second trimester of pregnancy as a predictor of fetal intrauterine growth restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an obstetric complication related to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The use of Doppler ultrasound, specifically the uterine artery pulsatility index, can help to detect it to avoid perinatal adverse events. The main aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the abnormal uterine artery pulsatility index and the development of IUGR, adverse perinatal events and need of admission to the Neonatal Unit after delivery. This is a retrospective, observational and descriptive study where 1600 deliveries have been analysed during 12 months to study the uterine artery pulsatility index in the 20th and 25th week of gestation and its relationship with intrauterine growth restriction, perinatal adverse events and the need for admission to the Neonatology Unit. A pulsatility index <p99 (normal) in the uterine arteries was statistically significantly related to the absence of IUGR at the end of gestation. No statistically significant differences were found between altered IP of the uterine arteries and admission to Neonatology after birth. On the other hand, only a statistically significant relationship was found between the alteration of the IP of the uterine arteries and low birthweight. A normal value of the PI of the uterine arteries has a negative predictive value concerning the development of IUGR. An abnormal result of this parameter is related to an increase in the risk of low birthweight at term, but cannot be related to an increase in the number of Neonatal Unit admissions.