IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-11-13188 Original Research Paper ROLE OF COLOUR DOPPLER IN THE EVALUATION OF FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY AMITA MAHAJAN Dr. November 2017 6 11 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Foetal growth restriction is responsible for several fold increase in pregnancy wastage in the form of preterm labour, birth asphyxia, perinatal mortality etc. A prospective observational longitudinal study was conducted on antenatal women diagnosed with foetal growth restriction at/after 26 weeks of gestation. Doppler flow studies of the umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) were done on all patients. Significant number of women with fetal growth restriction had abnormal doppler flow studies. AREDFV was seen in 16% women and brain sparing effect was seen in 58% fetuses.  In umbilical artery doppler examination; PI (pulsatility index) had the highest sensitivity (75%), PI of middle cerebral artery had the highest specificity and the resistivity index (RI) had the highest positive predictive value in prediction of adverse perinatal outcome. In growth restricted fetuses early Doppler changes were seen in the umbilical artery followed by centralization of blood flow (brain sparing effect). We suggest that all the Doppler indices (S/D, PI, RI) should be considered while optimizing the time of delivery because as per our study umbilical artery PI had the highest sensitivity , middle cerebral artery, PI had the highest specificity while RI had the highest positive predictive value in the prediction of adverse foetal outcome.