The Role of Doppler Ultrasonography in the Prediction of Fetal Outcome among Patients with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH): Review Article

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major contributor to fetal & maternal mortality & morbidity worldwide. It increases the risk of complications like eclampsia, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption & pre-term delivery. Early recognition & continuous monitoring of possible pregnancies are essential to improve results. Doppler ultrasonography has developed as a valuable non-invasive instrument in assessing uteroplacental & fetoplacental circulation, particularly in cases with PIH. Objective: This article aimed to throw the light on the role of Dopplerultrasonography in the prediction of fetal outcome among patients with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. Methods: We used Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and other internet databases for Doppler ultrasonography, Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Uteroplacental circulation and Fetal outcome. Additionally, the writers combed through relevant literature for references, however they only included researches covering the years from 2002 to 2024. Due of lack of translation-related sources, documents in languages other than English were excluded. Also, works in progress, unpublished publications, abstracts from conferences, and dissertations that did not form part of broader scientific investigations were excluded. Conclusion: Doppler evaluation of the uterine & umbilical arteries gives critical information about fetal adaptation & placental resistance. Abnormal results like enhanced resistance index (RI), absent or reversed flow during end-diastole in the umbilical artery, or a poor cerebroplacental ratio are strong predictors of adverse perinatal results, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), decreased birth weight, oligohydramnios & perinatal mortality. The ability to detect these alterations enables clinicians to implement timely interventions, involving corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity and planning of early delivery if necessary. In addition, Doppler ultrasound is useful in predicting maternal complications like progression to severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Its role is particularly significant in resource-limited settings where access to more advanced fetal monitoring techniques may be unavailable. Overall, the integration of Doppler researches into the routine care of hypertensive pregnancies increases the possibility of improving maternal stratification & fetal prognosis by allowing for better clinical decision-making.