THE ROLE OF DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE UTERINE ARTERIES IN THE PREDICTION OF PREECLAMPSIA

Abstract

Introduction. Preeclampsia is a multisystem condition that is of major interest to modern obstetrics. Understanding pathophysiology and discovering new screening methods for preeclampsia is an important goal to determine the right time to perform prophylaxis.

The aim of the study. Analyzing the bibliographic sources regarding the role of Doppler ultrasound of the uterine arteries in the prediction of preeclampsia, for the early identification of pregnant women at high risk of developing preeclampsia.

Material and methods. Literary sources from the period 2019-2023 were studied, from the PubMed, Cochrane and Medline databases, regarding the prediction of preeclampsia by means of ultrasound markers, using the keywords: “preeclampsia”, “Doppler of the uterine arteries”, “biomarkers”, selecting the articles that showed an interest increased on the given topic.

Results. Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine arteries is a useful tool for monitoring hemodynamic changes in the circulation in preeclampsia, which measures the resistance through the uterine arteries by evaluating the pulsatility index (PI), the resistance index (IR) and the systole/diastole ratio (S/D), and is an effective screening method for the early identification of pregnant women who may develop preeclampsia.

Conclusions. The examination complex consisting of: identification of personal maternal risk factors, maternal blood pressure values, Doppler velocimetry indices of the uterine arteries (PI, RI, S/D) and preeclampsia-specific biomarkers, represents an effective screening method, with increased specificity in the first trimester of pregnancy.