Accuracy of Fetal MCA Doppler Ultrasound Scan in Prediction of Neonatal Anemia in Iron Deficiency Anemic Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/aimj.2025.446514

Abstract

Background: Even in industrialized nations, iron deficiency anemia(IDA) is common during pregnancy. This is because, despite physiological adjustments, iron intake is typically inadequate to satisfy the increased requirements, and nutritional needs are generally not met.
Aim and objectives: To determine whether foetal MCA doppler ultrasonography is effective in reducing newborn anemia in patients with iron-deficient anemia.
Patients and methods: This prospective observational study, included 120-patients were selected from attendee of out-patient Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics of Al-Azhar University Hospitals from November 2023 till November 2024.
Results: We observed a decreasing trend in MCA PI and RI with increasing anemia severity, with statistically significant differences(p=0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of MCA PI(57% and 86.8%) and MCA RI(66% and 86.9%) for predicting neonatal anemia were moderate to high. The positive predictive values(PPV) for MCA PI and RI were relatively low(48% and 51.4%, respectively), while the negative predictive values(NPV) were high(89.6% and 91.2%). This indicates that normal MCA PI and RI values are good indicators of the absence of fetal anemia, but abnormal values should be interpreted cautiously and in conjunction with other clinical findings.
Conclusion: Fetal MCA Doppler parameters, particularly PI and RI, show promising potential as predictors of neonatal anemia in pregnancies complicated by maternal iron deficiency anemia. However, the moderate sensitivity and PPV suggest that these parameters should be used in combination with other clinical and laboratory findings for optimal management of these high-risk pregnancies.

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