Correlation of short-term variation and Doppler parameters with adverse perinatal outcome in low-risk fetuses at term.

Objective: To evaluate the association of short-term variation (STV) and Doppler parameters with adverse perinatal outcome in low-risk fetuses at term.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of 1008 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) term fetuses. Doppler measurements [umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR)] and computerized CTG (cCTG) with STV analysis were performed prior to active labor (≤ 4 cm cervical dilatation) within 72 h of delivery. The association between Doppler indices and STV values with adverse perinatal outcome was analyzed using univariate regression analysis.

Results: No significant association between Doppler parameters and the need for secondary cesarean delivery (CD) or operative vaginal delivery (OVD) was shown. Regarding fetuses delivered by CD due to fetal distress, regression analyzes revealed significantly higher UA PI MoM. However, the differences in MCA PI MoM and CPR MoM were not statistically significant. Fetuses with the need for emergency CD showed significantly higher UA PI MoM, lower MCA PI MoM and lower CPR MoM. Neonates with a 5-min Apgar score < 7 had significantly lower MCA PI MoM and neonatal acidosis (UA pH ≤ 7.10) showed a significant association with UA PI MoM. None of the assessed outcome parameters were significantly associated to STV.

Conclusion: Doppler indices assessed close to delivery in low-risk fetuses at term show a moderate association with adverse outcome parameters, whereas STV does not appear to predict poor perinatal outcome in this group of fetuses.