Evaluation of first trimester pregnancy in cases of threatened abortion bymeans of Doppler sonography

Objective: Threatened abortion is one of the major problems in Obstetrics a nd applies to 1/3, of all pregnancies. The aim of this study was to establi sh normal ranges for Doppler indices of the flow velocity waveforms in uter ine arteries (SID, RI, PI) and beta -hCG serum concentrations in a control group in the first trimester of pregnancy. The obtained values were compare d with those obtained in pregnancies threatened by abortion (6 - 11 weeks). Methods: Investigated groups: 55 controls and 47 with symptoms of threaten ed abortion, 27 of them aborted. Ultrasound examinations were carried out b y means of an endovaginal probe. Serum beta -hCG was determined by immunoen zymatic method. The standards for measured values were established based on means from measurements obtained in the control group in the corresponding week of pregnancy. Results: We observed negative correlation between gesta tional age and RI and negative tendencies for SID and Pl indices in the con trol group. Positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between beta -hCG ser um concentration and gestational age (Up to 9(th) week) and significant dif ferences in beta -hCG concentrations between both examined groups. There we re also statistical differences for S/D, RI and PI indices in both analyzed groups for each week of pregnancy. Conclusion: We conclude that measuremen t of the quality parameters of the flow velocity waveforms in uterine arter ies and calculation of beta -hCG concentration in serum are useful methods in diagnosis of threatened abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy.