Comparative Study of Foetal Colour Doppler versus Non-Stress Test as a Predictor of Perinatal Outcome in High Risk Pregnancy

Aim & Objectives: To study the perinatal outcome in high risk pregnancy by comparative analysis of Foetal colour Doppler and non-stress test.

Material & Methods: This comparative study carried out on 100 antenatal patients of >34 weeks pregnancy in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology S.N. Medical College Agra. All patients were subjected to colour Doppler and non-stress test after doing routine examination and investigations.

Result: In our study it was found that, in high risk group 36% had normal NST while 64% had abnormal. In control group 82% had normal NST while 18% shows abnormal NST. In Doppler study 52% were having abnormal findings suggestive of foetal hypoxia and 48% cases had normal Doppler in high risk group while in control group 96% cases had normal findings. On comparing NST and colour Doppler, it was found that where both NST and Doppler were abnormal, Doppler showed changes earlier than NST giving a significant lead time of up to 8 days with an average of 5 days. This lead time is very important as foetus can be delivered in this period or can be followed up to gain a little more pulmonary maturity or steroid prophylaxis can be administered during this period in preterm foetuses.

Conclusion: We concluded that Doppler is useful in recognising foetal compromise earlier than NST, giving a lead time which is important in management of preterm high risk pregnancies, Doppler depicts chronic hypoxic changes while NST can detect acute events in presence or absence of chronic hypoxia. An abnormal NST following an abnormal Doppler is associated with worst perinatal outcome.NST still holds its importance because of its ease of use, low cost and minimal time required. On the other hand Doppler requires sophisticated equipments, operative skills and experience.