Three-dimensional power Doppler indices at 18-22 weeks' gestation for prediction of fetal growth restriction or pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Background: We assessed placental perfusion based on placental vascular sonobiopsy (PVS) at 18-22 weeks of gestation in a low-risk population to predict fetal growth restriction (FGR) or pregnancy-induced hypertension [PIH; gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE)].

Methods: PVS using three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound with the VOCAL imaging analysis program was performed in 226 pregnancies [FGR, 25; appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) 191; and large-for-gestational age (LGA), 10] [PIH, 13 (GH, 7 and PE, 6) and non-PIH, 213] at 18-22 weeks of gestation. 3D power Doppler indices such as the vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) using PVS were calculated in each placenta.

Results: There were no significant differences in VI, FI, or VFI values among FGR, AGA, and LGA pregnancies. No significant differences in VI, FI, or VFI values between PHI and non-PIH pregnancies were noted. There were also no significant differences in VI, FI, or VFI values between GH and PE pregnancies.

Conclusions: 3D power Doppler placental vascular indices at 18-22 weeks could not be used to predict high-risk pregnancies that develop FGR or PIH in a low-risk population.