The Application Value of Three-Dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasound in Fetal Growth Restriction

Abstract

In this study, the application value of three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound (3D-PDU) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) is explored. The retrospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women (with a gestational week of 11–13 + 6 weeks) who received routine health care in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021. The placentae were scanned using 3D-PDU, and the subjects were followed up until delivery. The fetuses were divided into the control group (n = 322) and FGR group (n = 44) according to their birth weight. There was no significant difference in nuchal translucency (NT), crown-rump length (CRL), and placental volume (PV) during the first trimester between the two groups ( $P>0.05$ ). Compared with the control group, the FGR group showed significantly lower levels of vascularisation index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularisation flow index (VFI) and a higher incidence of fetal distress and neonatal asphyxia ( $P<0.05$ ). The FGR group showed a longer gestational week at birth, a higher probability of cesarean section, and a lower 5-minute Apgar score than the control group ( $P<0.05$ ). The VI, FI, and VFI of the control group were significantly higher than those of the FGR group. Pearson analysis showed that birth weight was positively correlated with VI and FI ( $P<0.05$ ). 3D-PDU assesses the blood perfusion of the fetus and placenta in the first trimester and predicts the pregnancy outcome, which shows great potential in the early diagnosis of FGR.