Relationship between fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and cerebroplacental ratio with adverse neonatal outcomes in low-risk pregnancy candidates for elective cesarean section: A cross-sectional study

The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is an important factor for predicting adverse neonatal outcomes in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.

To evaluate whether there is an association between the CPR level and adverse neonatal outcomes in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.

This cross-sectional study included 150 low-risk pregnant women candidates for elective cesarean sections at the gestational age of 39 wk. CPR and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) were calculated in participants just before cesarian section. Postnatal complications were defined as an adverse neonatal outcome such as an Apgar score of the neonate ≤ 7 at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, cord arterial pH ≤ 7/14, and meconium stained liquor.

The mean age of participants was 31.53 ± 4.91 yr old. The mean CPR was reported as 1.83 ± 0.64. The Chi-square test analysis revealed that a low MCA PI and a low CPR were significantly associated with decreased cord arterial pH, decreased Apgar score at 5 min, and NICU admission (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between umbilical artery PI with arterial cord pH, Apgar score at 5 min, NICU admission, or meconium stained liquor. The Mann-Whitney test showed that a lower fetal weight appropriate for the women’s gestational age was significantly associated with a decreased CPR and MCA PI (p < 0.005). There was no significant association between amniotic fluid index and CPR, umbilical artery PI, or MCA PI.

The CPR is a significant factor in predicting adverse neonatal outcomes and ultimately neonatal mortality and morbidity of low risk, appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.