Clinical Importance of the First Trimester Uterine Artery Doppler Measurements in Patients with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Objective: To examine the relationship between the first trimester uterine artery doppler measurements, biochemical markers, first trimester antenatal screening test and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) according to Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) score. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary university hospital, between December 2016 and March 2017. A total of 207 consecutive singleton pregnancies at 11-13.6 weeks of gestations were enrolled. Sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, PUQE scores, biochemical blood, and urine sample results were collected. First trimester antenatal screening test and uterine artery doppler measurements were performed. The severity of HG was made based on the score of PUQE test. Results: A total 207 pregnant women enrolled in this study. Of the patients, 131 were in group I and 76 in group II. No significant difference was observed in of first trimester screening serum markers, doppler ultrasonography findings and PUQE scores between the two groups (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients in group I and group II in terms of the presence of urinary tract infections. Ketonuria was detected in three patients (2.4%) in group I and 11 patients (17.2%) in group II (p<0.01). Conclusion: The result of the study showed no significant relationship between the first-trimester uterine artery doppler parameters, biochemical markers and the severity of HG, which was measured according to PUQE scoring system. However, we did find that PUQE test was an effective test in the detection of patients with ketonuria.