Evaluation of fetal renal artery Doppler indices of pregnancies complicated with polyhydramnios

Objective 

The aim of this study was evaluation of fetal renal artery Doppler indices, umbilical artery and ductus venosus indices of pregnancies complicated with polyhydramnios which were diagnosed during third trimester and comparison with gestational age matched control groups.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted in a university antenatal outpatient clinic. Pregnancies at the third trimester complicated with polyhydramnios were included in the study. Gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, systemic disorders and fetal anomalies were excluded. Control group was selected from gestational age matched healthy pregnant women. Doppler Ultrasonography was performed using 3,5 MHz convex transabdominal probe. Umbilical artery systole/diastole (S/D), fetal renal artery pulsatility (PI) and resistive index (RI) and ductus venosus PI Doppler indices were evaluated. Variables were compared by using student’s t test and p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

Results 

Doppler indices for polyhydramnios were detected as umbilical artery S/D: 2.5±0.4, renal artery PI: 2.3±0.9, renal artery RI: 0.9±0.2 and ductus venosus PI:0.9±0.3, and for control group 2.7±0.6, 2.0±0.3, 0.8±0.1, 1.1±0.5 respectively. There were statistically significant decrease at fetal renal artery Doppler indices in pregnancy complicated with polyhydramnios.

Conclusion 

Fetal renal artery resistance decreased at pregnancies complicated with polyhydramnios. This decrease in the resistance may be associated with increased fetal urine production.

Keywords

Doppler, polyhydramnios.