Evaluation of second trimester uterine artery doppler indices in women diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first trimester of their pregnancy

Z. Avul, C.M. Güven, B.S. Feyzioğlu, Ş.Ö. Sancar

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Private Erciyes-Kartal Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey. drcenkmustafa@gmail.com

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• Infectious Diseases
• Obstetrics

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at evaluating the hypothesis that 6-14 months pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 may have abnormal placental function detectable by increased uterine artery Doppler indices in the second trimester and whether these women could benefit from treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 63 women were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first trimester of their pregnancy and 68 healthy women were involved according to the exclusion criteria. In both groups, Doppler measurements were performed for the determination of high-risk pregnancy by increased uterine artery Doppler indices in the second trimester.

RESULTS: It was observed that uterine artery Doppler indices (PI and RI) were significantly increased in second trimester women with COVID-19 infection compared to those without COVID-19. Furthermore, the number of women with a PI value exceeding the 95th percentile and the number of patients with early diastolic notch were higher in the COVID group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Doppler Ultrasound measurement may be a potential method for the management of high-risk pregnancies after asymptomatic/mild COVID-19 infection.

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