The Role of Fetal Ductus Venosus Doppler in Anticipating Pregnancy Outcomes

Background and Aim: The identification of an abnormal flow pattern in the ductus venosus serves as a valuable tool in the screening process for foetal cardiac defects and chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome. Understanding the parameters of a normal ductus venosus Doppler flow pattern is crucial. This study aimed to assess the significance of the ductus venosus pulsatility index in early pregnancy as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Material and Methods: A total of eighty pregnant women, each carrying a single viable foetus between 13 and 24 weeks of gestation, took part in this prospective cross-sectional study conducted over the course of one year at a Tertiary Care Teaching Institute in Gujarat, India. Routine ultrasound examination encompasses the assessment of the placental site and the measurement of the crown-rump length (CRL). Assess the biparietal diameter, femur length, and abdominal circumference to confirm gestational dating during the first trimester and in specific cases during the second trimester. Results: The findings indicate that in the normal group, there were 3 cases (4.41%) with non-regular cycles, contrasted with 65 cases (95.65%) exhibiting regular cycles. In the abnormal group, the figures were 2 cases (16.6%) for non-regular cycles and 10 cases (83.3%) for regular cycles. In the normal group, there were 32 cases without placenta previa, accounting for 74.4%, compared to 15 cases with placenta previa, which represented 22.05%. In the abnormal group, 10 cases were without placenta previa, making up 83.3%, while 2 cases had placenta previa, corresponding to 16.6%. The analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in pregnancy outcomes, with a p-value greater than 0.05. Conclusion: Various foetal disorders that could lead to cardiovascular complications and other atypical outcomes in newborns can be effectively managed and anticipated through the use of the DV Doppler examination during the perinatal period.