Comparing Fetal Arteries’ Doppler Ultrasound Pulsatility Indexes Premature Preterm Rupture of Membrane in Admission and Pregnancy Termination

  Premature preterm rupture of membrane (PPROM) is a cause of preterm birth. This study investigated the effectiveness of Doppler ultrasound in predicting fetal complications and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with PPROM.

  In this cross-sectional study, a total of 23 pregnant women with PPROM were chosen in their 24 to 34 weeks of gestational age. The fetuses’ blood flow indices were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound pulsatility index (PI) in the middle cerebral, main pulmonary, right kidney, and fetal umbilical arteries and descending aorta at admission (because of PPROM) and 24 hours before delivery. Neonatal outcomes were assessed within the first week of birth.

  The kidney artery PI increased (P=0.047) and pulmonary artery PI decreased (P=0.024) at pregnancy termination time. There was a negative correlation between the 5-minute Apgar score and fetal umbilical artery PI at admission (P=0.003) and pregnancy termination times (P=0.031). The fetal umbilical artery PI of neonates with abnormal brain ultrasound imaging results significantly decreased at admission (P=0.002) and pregnancy termination times (P=0.004).

  Fetal artery Doppler ultrasound PI may be a valid tool for predicting neonatal outcomes of women with PPROM.