Objective: To detect Doppler ultrasonographic velocimetry alterations of renal main arteries in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Study design: The peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities (Vs, Vd), resistivity and pulsatility indices (RI, PI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D ratio), acceleration time (AT) and systolic acceleration (SA) of renal main arteries were obtained in 17 PIH women and 15 age- and gestation week-matched normal pregnant (NP) women. The data between the two groups were compared with unpaired student's t-test.
Results: The AT was much longer and SA much lower in PIH than those in NP, while no significant differences were found in Vs, Vd, RI, PI and S/D ratio.
Conclusions: AT and SA could be better used than Vs, Vd, RI, PI or S/D for detection of hemodynamic changes of renal arteries in patients with PIH. It may also imply that larger arteries proximal to the renal main artery be significantly affected.