Evaluation of umbilical artery Doppler changes after betamethasone administration in preterm labor embryos

Abstract

Due to the contradictions found in the results of various studies, we aimed to enhance knowledge regarding the use of corticosteroids for lung maturation in preterm birth. The present study evaluates the changes in the Doppler characteristics of the umbilical artery after administration of betamethasone in fetuses at risk of preterm birth. We hope that the results of this study will pave the way for further research and beneficial therapeutic interventions with minimal complications in this field. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 at Al-Zahra Hospital in Tabriz. Initially, the demographic and clinical information of the mothers was collected, including maternal age, gestational age, fetal gender, parity, gravidity, history of miscarriage, type of pregnancy, underlying maternal diseases, and medication use. Subsequently, based on the obstetrician's recommendation, the mothers received two doses of 12 mg intramuscular betamethasone with a 24-hour interval. Doppler ultrasound examinations were performed immediately before the injections and 24 hours after completing the betamethasone administration. The blood flow velocity waveforms from the umbilical artery were recorded, and the Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistance Index (RI) were calculated. The blood flow velocity waveforms were recorded from the free-floating middle section of the umbilical cord. The primary objective of the study was to identify changes in the Doppler indices before and after betamethasone administration. Results: The results showed significant changes in both RI and PI after betamethasone administration (P-value < 0.05), indicating an improvement in umbilical blood flow, while PSV did not show a significant difference (P-value > 0.05). These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring Doppler changes in the umbilical artery when evaluating the effects of various medications in high-risk pregnancies.