DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i08.033

Pages: 1949-1958

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the flow velocity pattern of Aortic isthmus by Doppler imaging in fetuses with intra uterine growth restriction and to evaluate the association of Aortic isthmus Doppler parameters with intra uterine growth restriction. Introduction: Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an important perinatal problem giving rise to increased morbidity and mortality in the fetus. Today, the main aim of fetal medicine is to prevent the occurrence of IUGR in high risk pregnancies and to appropriately manage those who are already affected with growth restriction. Knowledge of the fetal circulation and the compensatory changes during fetal hypoxia has helped us recognize the early signs of IUGR thus improving the prognosis of these high risk pregnancies. Doppler ultrasound provides this information effectively, which is not readily obtained from the other conventional tests of fetal well-being and can guide management decisions regarding the appropriate timing of delivery. Aortic isthmus (AoI) evaluation has been proposed as a potential monitoring tool for IUGR fetuses. It acts as a link between the right and left ventricles, thus forming an arterial connection between the two fetal vascular outputs positioned in parallel. So, any condition affecting fetal hemodynamics involving ventricular outflow or peripheral vascular impedance will affect the flow pattern through aortic isthmus. This study aims to assess the potential role of Doppler imaging of the AoI in at risk fetuses for early diagnosis of IUGR and to improve neonatal outcome. Material and methods: This was a descriptive comparative study which was performed on fetuses with suspected IUGR over a period of 18 months between March2016-September2017. 50 pregnant females of 24-40 weeks gestation who presented to OPD of Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal met the inclusion criteria. The fetuses who were small for gestational age and had associated maternal pathologies/risk factors ......