Evaluation of vertebral artery doppler ultrasound in routine ultrasound follow-up in pregnant women with intrauterine growth retardation

Introduction: This study introduces a prospective evaluation of the role of vertebral artery (VA) Doppler in addition to middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) Doppler in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). The objective of this prospective study was to assess the utility of vertebral artery (VA) Doppler in addition to middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) Doppler in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: Pregnant women diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) were prospectively enrolled from the Perinatology Clinic of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine. The following data were recorded during follow-up visits: MCA, UA, and VA Doppler ultrasound measurements; biometric measurements; postnatal APGAR scores; height; and weight. Results: A total of 47 patients with fetal growth restriction (FGR) were included in the study. The mean MCA PI was significantly lower in the FGR group than in the control group. Similarly, UA PI was higher in the FGR group. While there was no significant difference in VA PI and RI between the groups, positive correlations were found between VA PI and APGAR score, prenatal height, and weight, and between VA RI and APGAR score and height. Conclusion: In addition to MCA and UA Doppler, VA Doppler can provide valuable information about neonatal APGAR scores, height, and weight in the evaluation of FGR. Keywords: Fetal growth restriction, umbilical artery Doppler, vertebral artery Doppler