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Middle Cerebral Artery Doppler and Cerebroplacental Ratio Predict Adverse Neurological Outcomes in Fetal Growth Restriction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler ultrasonography in predicting neurological and respiratory outcomes in fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and to establish a correlation between MCA Doppler and head circumference (HC). METHOD: Retrospective cohort study examining singleton pregnancies affected by FGR (2018-2019). MCA and Cerebroplacental Ratio (CPR) Doppler indices (z-scores) alongside neonatal neurological and respiratory outcomes were gathered. RESULTS: MCA (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.82) and CPR (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10-1.68) were identified as significant predictors of neurological outcomes (p < 0.05). Gestational age and CPR exhibited comparable univariate accuracy; however, the multivariate model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an area under the curve of 80.30%. Correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between neonatal HC and MCA PI z-score in univariate analysis, but this was not confirmed in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: MCA Doppler and CPR are effective predictors of adverse neurological outcomes in FGR, potentially aiding risk stratification in clinical practice.

Source: Prenatal Diagnosis

DOI: 10.1002/pd.70189