The impact of betamethasone administration on color Doppler ultrasound parameters and neonatal outcomes in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction

Abstract

Betamethasone administration increases placental vascular resistance, restoring diastolic flow. This study evaluated changes in the umbilical artery's flow velocity waveform (FVW) after betamethasone treatment in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). This descriptive-analytical study examined all pregnant women with FGR who were between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation. These patients were referred to Sanandaj Besat Hospital, where they received betamethasone treatment. Following this administration, color Doppler ultrasound findings were compared to those obtained before the betamethasone treatment. Before betamethasone administration, the mean umbilical artery pulsatility index (U PI) was 0.23 ± 1.31, significantly higher than 0.20 ± 1.19 after administration. The mean umpbilical Resistance Index (U RI) also showed a similar trend, decreasing from 0.07 ± 0.74 to 0.08 ± 0.68. In contrast, the mean middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (M PI) increased from 0.62 ± 2.28 before administration to 0.80 ± 2.68 after. The mean middle cerebral arterys Resistance Index (M RI) rose from 0.10 ± 0.89 to 0.24 ± 1.06 after administration. Fetal growth restriction can lead to negative outcomes for mothers and fetuses. Administering betamethasone improves umbilical artery resistance, allowing for prolonged pregnancies and reducing the risk of preterm labor. This ultimately lowers costs for families and the healthcare system.