Ultrasound Assessment of Low Risk versus High Risk Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcome

Objective: To determine the maturational changes in the placenta by ultrasonography at various gestational ages in low risk vs. high risk pregnancies and their correlation with perinatal outcome. Subjects:  Study was conducted in 100 patients with singleton pregnancies, divided into two groups: Group A (control group) having no medical or obstetrical complications in the current pregnancy and Group B (study group) having medical or obstetrical complication. All the patients were subjected to ultrasonography between 28-31 weeks, 32-37 weeks and after 37 weeks of gestation. All cases were followed till pregnancy outcome and neonates followed up to 7 days after birth. Perinatal outcome of group A and group B was compared. Results: It was observed that placental maturity increased with GA in both groups but placenta matured earlier in high risk cases. 8% patients in group A and 26% in group B showed earlier placental maturation. Patients of diabetes mellitus showed delayed maturity and lower grades were found even at termination. Incidence of LSCS was 44%in group B and 20% in group A. Good apgar score was shown when placental maturity was of higher grade. Respiratory distress syndrome was seen in only 4% neonates in group A and 8% in group B at termination with grade III placenta. 19% neonates in group A required admission to an ICU as compared to 37% in group B. Perinatal mortality was high in patients who had placental grade 0 and 1 at termination in both the groups. There was 10% perinatal mortality (4% still births and 6% neonatal deaths) in group A and 14% (4% still births and 10% neonatal deaths) in group B as high risk patients were there in group B. Conclusion: Placental grading by ultrasonography is a reliable index of foetal pulmonary maturity and it can assist the obstetrician in the management of high risk patients, thus making ultrasonography a useful tool for predicting the perinatal outcome and planning treatment modalities for termination of pregnancy.   JMS 2014;17(1):6-10