The effect of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity on prognosis in early and late-onset fetal growth restriction

Objectives We aim to investigate the utility of MCA PSV Doppler in determining the perinatal mortality and morbidity in serial Doppler measurements from the time of diagnosis to the delivery of complicated cases with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods At 24-38 weeks of gestation, 65 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR were included in the study. The fetal biometry measurements, MCA PI, and MCA PSV Doppler evaluation of the cases formed at the diagnosis and the delivery were recorded. Gestational weeks, birth weights, APGAR scores, cord pH values, NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) admission, NICU duration of stay, and perinatal morbidity parameters such as RDS (respiratory distress syndrome), BPD (Bronchopulmonary dysplasia), NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), sepsis and perinatal mortality were compared. The patients were divided into two groups: early and late-onset fetal growth restriction. Perinatal morbidity and mortality were accepted as adverse perinatal outcomes. Results MCA PSV above the 95th percentile at the diagnosis and delivery time was seen at a significantly higher rate with adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusions This study shows that evaluating MCA PSV with Doppler can be a helpful diagnostic method for early diagnosis of restriction and hypoxic fetuses. Also, it may be used in clinics as a noninvasive method to predict neonatal prognosis.

Automated summary

This study investigates the utility of MCA PSV Doppler in determining the perinatal mortality and morbidity in cases with fetal growth restriction. The results show that MCA PSV above the 95th percentile is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.