Uterine artery impedance to blood flow on the day of embryo transfer does not predict obstetric outcome

Objective To evaluate the influence of uterine artery impedance to blood fl ow on the day of embryo transfer for prediction of early pregnancy loss and obstetric outcome. Methods The uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were evaluated prospectively by transvaginal Doppler in 102 infertile wome n, who conceived ns the result of fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Uterine artery impedance to blood flow was compared to the obstetric outcome. Results The 111 treatment cycles studied resulted in 31 spontaneous abortio ns, four ectopic pregnancies, and 76 deliveries. There were no differences in uterine artery PI and RI (mean +/- SD) between cycles resulting in norma l delivery (2.69 +/- 0.71 and 0.88 +/- 0.06) and those resulting in spontan eous abortion (2.71 +/- 0.67 and 0.88 +/- 0.05) or ectopic pregnancy (2.36 +/- 0.54 and 0.85 +/- 0.06). There were no differences in PI and RI between uncomplicated singleton pregnancies (2.74 +/- 0.78 and 0.88 +/- 0.06) and those-resulting intra-uterine ins growth restriction (IUGR), pregnancy-indu ced hypertension (PIH), or preterm birth (2.54 +/- 0.47 and 0.87 +/- 0.04, pooled data). Conclusions Uterine artery PI and RI on the day of embryo transfer were unr elated to the risk of the pregnancy ending in spontaneous abortion ol ectop ic pregnancy. These values were of no value in the prediction of IUGR, PIH or preterm birth.