Uterine artery velocimetry and spontaneous preterm delivery

Objective: To evaluate if idiopathic spontaneous preterm delivery is associated with abnormal uteroplacental circulation, as assessed by Doppler velocimetry. Methods: The study was carried out on 417 women who had Doppler velocimetry performed between 25–36 weeks' gestation and were subsequently delivered vaginally. The systolic-diastolic ratio (S/D) was computed for the uterine and umbilical arteries, and the outcomes of pregnancies with spontaneous preterm and term deliveries were compared. Results: Uterine artery S/D was significantly higher ( P Conclusion: Preterm delivery is associated with modifications of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry, suggesting that impaired trophoblastic invasion of the placental bed may play a role in determining preterm delivery.