Prenatal Prediction of Fetal Lung Maturity by Measuring Fetal Main Pulmonary Artery Doppler Indices
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in preterm births. Non-invasive methods to predict fetal lung maturity are needed to guide obstetric decisions and reduce neonatal complications. Fetal main pulmonary artery (MPA) Doppler evaluation has been proposed as a promising tool. The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of fetal MPA Doppler indices in predicting fetal lung maturity and neonatal RDS. Methods: This prospective observational study included 50 pregnant women between 28–40 weeks gestation at SAMC & PGI, Indore. All underwent real-time obstetric ultrasonography with MPA Doppler assessment (RI, PI, AT, ET, AT/ET ratio). Neonatal outcomes including birth weight, gestational age at birth, sex, NICU admission, and diagnosis of RDS were documented. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, with calculation of sensitivity, specicity, PPV, and NPV for each Doppler parameter. Results: Of 50 neonates, 20 (40%) developed RDS. Mean birth weight (2055 ± 210 g vs 2265 ± 190 g, p = 0.002) and gestational age (33.1 ± 1.3 vs 34.3 ± 1.2 weeks, p = 0.002) were signicantly lower in the RDS group. RDS-positive neonates had higher PI (2.01 ± 0.22 vs 1.78 ± 0.18, p = 0.001) and RI (0.83 ± 0.05 vs 0.79 ± 0.04, p = 0.01), and reduced AT (37.4 ± 3.2 vs 41.2 ± 2.8 ms, p = 0.0005) and AT/ET ratio (0.20 ± 0.02 vs 0.23 ± 0.02, p < 0.001). AT/ET ≤0.21 predicted RDS with sensitivity 85%, specicity 80%, PPV 77%, and NPV 87%. All RDS neonates required NICU admission compared to 20% of non-RDS neonates (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Fetal MPA Doppler, particularly AT/ET ratio, provides a reliable non-invasive method for predicting neonatal RDS and may improve prenatal risk stratication.
Authors: Manish Bhagat, Arjun Malik, Prachi Bamniya
Institution: Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414710929