Cerebroplacental Doppler Indices in Intrauterine Growth Restriction Fetuses before and after Maternal Dexamethasone Management

Background: IUGR increases the risk for intrapartum asphyxia, preterm delivery, and risks associated with preterm delivery, including but not limited to respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Doppler ultrasound gives us information on the vascular resistance and, indirectly, on the blood flow. The aim of this work is to assess any change in the cerebroplacental Doppler ratio before and after receiving Dexamethasone on pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University on 60 pregnant females after counseling and explaining of the procedure to patients, assurance of confidentiality, anonymity and their acceptance.

Results: The mean GA was 32 weeks and mean weigh of the fetus was 1165 kg with mean amniotic fluid index 5.85 cm. There was significant increase in MCA PI after treatment p-value <0.001. there was significant decrease in UMA PI after treatment with p-value <0.001.

Conclusions: Dexamethasone use in cases of IUGR is associated with significant improvement in the form of decrease in umbilical artery S/D ratio and pulsatility index.