Abstract:
Background: Preeclampsia is a major direct cause of maternal
mortality second only to hemorrhage with 50,000-60,000 preeclampsia
related deaths worldwide annually. In the fetus, it can lead to ischemic
encephalopathy, growth restriction and the various sequelae of
premature birth. Pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia require
close fetal surveillance to guide management and improve outcomes.
Objective: To determine the fetal Doppler indices of the umbilical and
middle cerebral arteries in the prediction of perinatal outcomes in
patients with preeclampsia.
Methods:A cross sectional study done at theMoi Teaching and Referral
Hospital.Consenting patients with preeclampsia above 28 weeks
gestation were consecutively sampled. A total of 165 patients were
studied.Descriptive statistics were carried out. Inferential statistics was
also carried out.
Results:Majority (72.7%) presented between 28-34 weeks and 66.06%
had preeclampsia.An abnormal outcome was seen in 80% of those who
had abnormal Doppler findings which increased the Odds of poor
outcome 11.5 times (p<0.001). Poor perinatal outcomes included still
birth, preterm birth, low birth weight and low APGAR score. MCA RI
had no significant association with poor outcomes except when used as
Cerebro-Placental Index (CPI).
Conclusion: Majorityhad abnormal Doppler findings.Abnormal
Doppler findings were significantly associated with poor perinatal
outcomes.