Ductus Venosus Doppler in IUGR Pregnancies

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major obstetric complication associated with increased risks of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Accurate assessment of fetal well-being and timely prediction of adverse outcomes are critical in the management of these pregnancies. The ductus venosus, a key component of the fetal circulation, reflects central venous pressure and cardiac function. Alterations in ductus venosus Doppler waveforms have been suggested as early markers of fetal compromise.

This prospective observational cohort study is designed to longitudinally evaluate ductus venosus Doppler parameters in pregnancies diagnosed with IUGR and to explore their association with perinatal outcomes. Pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria will undergo serial Doppler examinations of the ductus venosus during the third trimester, performed at defined intervals until delivery.

Perinatal outcomes to be assessed include Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, duration of hospitalization, and perinatal mortality. By correlating longitudinal ductus venosus Doppler changes with clinical outcomes, the study aims to determine whether these parameters may serve as reliable predictors of neonatal risk in IUGR pregnancies. Ultimately, this research may provide additional evidence to support the use of ductus venosus Doppler in clinical decision-making and in the timing of delivery for growth-restricted fetuses.

Inclusion criteria

Female participants aged 18-45 years

Singleton pregnancy

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with estimated fetal weight <10th percentile for gestational age

Gestational age ≥24 weeks at enrollment

Ability to comply with scheduled follow-up visits and Doppler examinations

Signed informed consent obtained

Exclusion criteria

Multiple gestations (twins or higher-order pregnancies)

Major fetal congenital anomalies

Known chromosomal abnormalities

Maternal chronic systemic diseases likely to affect fetal growth (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, severe renal disease, severe hypertension)

Maternal infections known to impact fetal growth (e.g., TORCH infections)