Doppler parameters of maternal renal blood flow in normal pregnancy

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate changes in maternal renal arterial blood flow during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 non-pregnant, 200 pregnant, and 30 women after delivery. The authors measured pulsatility index (Pi) and resistance index (Ri) in the right and left renal arteries in the hilus. The authors compared the values between non-pregnant and women during first, second, and third trimester and post-partum period and tested correlation with gestational age. Results: The authors did not find a statistical difference in Pi and Ri between the right and left kidneys. There was no difference in Pi and Ri in pregnancy trimester compared to the non-pregnant state. There was no correlation between the values of Pi and Pi and gestational weeks. Conclusion: During pregnancy there are no changes in the values of maternal renal Pi and renal Ri. Unchanged total vascular resistance may result from physiological changes of the glomerular filtration rate.