What is the contribution of Doppler sonography of the umbilical artery in diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation

: Pulsed Dopplersonography of the umbilical artery was performed in 155 singleton high-risk pregnancies without malformations or chromosomal abnormalities. 59 foetuses were classified as foetuses with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). 46 of them had a birth weight below the tenth percentile. In 20 cases the pulsatility index (PI) was elevated (sensitivity: 44%). In all there were 50 neonates with a birth weight below the tenth percentile, 46 of whom were detected by biometry (sensitivity: 92%). 8 dystrophic neonates with a biometry that revealed IUGR were compromised by perinatal asphyxia. In six cases operative delivery was necessary and two cases with reversed diastolic flow ended in intrauterine foetal death. 7 of those foetuses had an elevated PI. The sensitivity of Dopplersonography in this group was 88%, the negative predictive value 97%. The positive predictive value with regard to a dystrophic neonate can be improved from 78% to 91%, if compared with biometry alone. Summing up, Dopplersonography of the umbilical artery can distinguish very well between IUGR foetuses at risk of perinatal morbidity or mortality and those IUGR foetuses with sufficient placental circulation who are, therefore, not at risk.