Relationship between fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and cerebroplacental ratio with adverse neonatal outcomes in low-risk pregnancy candidates for elective cesarean section: A cross-sectional study

Background: The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is an important factor for predicting adverse neonatal outcomes in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. Objective: To evaluate whether there is an association between the CPR level and adverse neonatal outcomes in appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included ۱۵۰ low-risk pregnant women candidates for elective cesarean sections at the gestational age of ۳۹ wk. CPR and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) were calculated in participants just before cesarian section. Postnatal complications were defined as an adverse neonatal outcome such as an Apgar score of the neonate ≤ ۷ at ۵ min, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, cord arterial pH ≤ ۷/۱۴, and meconium stained liquor. Results: The mean age of participants was ۳۱.۵۳ ± ۴.۹۱ yr old. The mean CPR was reported as ۱.۸۳ ± ۰.۶۴. The Chi-square test analysis revealed that a low MCA PI and a low CPR were significantly associated with decreased cord arterial pH, decreased Apgar score at ۵ min, and NICU admission (p < ۰.۰۰۱). There was no significant association between umbilical artery PI with arterial cord pH, Apgar score at ۵ min, NICU admission, or meconium stained liquor. The Mann-Whitney test showed that a lower fetal weight appropriate for the women’s gestational age was significantly associated with a decreased CPR and MCA PI (p < ۰.۰۰۵). There was no significant association between amniotic fluid index and CPR, umbilical artery PI, or MCA PI. Conclusion: The CPR is a significant factor in predicting adverse neonatal outcomes and ultimately neonatal mortality and morbidity of low risk, appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.

Keywords:

Umbilical cord blood , Color Doppler ultrasonography , Gestational age. , خون بندناف , سونوگرافی داپلر رنگی , سن حاملگی.