Prospective evaluation of maternal renal artery resistivity and pulsatility index in normal pregnant women and women with pregnancy induced hypertension

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To establish normal range of Resistivity Index(RI) and Pulsatility Index(PI)values of renal artery in normal pregnant woman and to compare RI and PI of renal artery in normal pregnant woman and woman with PIH. Material and methods: Study consisted of 50 pregnant women divided in two groups control(30) normotensive pregnant women and Test Group (20) women with PIH.Colour Doppler studies for each subject was done three times (initially at 24-31 weeks then at 32-36weeks and 37-39 weeks). Resistivity Index(RI)and Pulsatility Index(PI) calculated and compared between normotensive pregnant women and women with PIH.A p value of <.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Based on the mean values of renal artery Resistivity, Pulsatility index, a cut off value of 0.7 for RI&1.2 for PI was taken to differentiate between normal and abnormal values. Normal range of RI &PI was 0.50-0.69 &1-1.20 in control group. Conclusion: There is difference between the renal artery Doppler indices in normotensive pregnant women and in women with PIH.And this difference is significant. Doppler study of maternal renal artery is a noninvasive method and most important achievements of modern obstetrics.