ASSESSMENT OF DUCTUS VENOSUS BY DOPPLER ULTRASOUND IN LOW RISK PREGNANCIES OF 20-38 WEEKS GESTATION

BACKGROUND: The ductus venosus evaluation during 20-38 weeks low risk pregnancies can reveal gradual reduction of the mean PI and S/A ratio, with advancing gestation. AIM: To evaluate the ductus venosus between 20-38 weeks gestation in Indian women without any complication related to pregnancy, using Doppler ultrasound and to present a normal range of the pulsatility index during this period of gestation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a controlled, randomized, prospective cohort observation study. Material & Methods-127 pregnant women [20-38weeks gestation] were scanned in this prospective study. The peak systolic velocity, the pulsatility index and S/A ratio of the ductus venosus were measured. Results-Out of 127 patients, 116 patients were successfully scanned [91.3%]. The peak systolic velocity was more than 50cm/sec throughout gestation. The mean PI decreased from 0.67 at 20-25 weeks to 0.44 at 36-38 weeks and the mean S/A ratio decreased from 2.33 at 20-25 weeks to 1.59 at 36-38weeks. CONCLUSION: As normal pregnancy advances, the Pulsatility index and the S/A ratio decreases.