Background: Respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] is a major concern in preterm neonates, contributing significantly to infant morbidity and mortality. Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler has emerged as a potential tool for predicting the risk of RDS in neonates before birth.
Aim of the work: This study aims to investigate the predictive value of fetal pulmonary artery Doppler in identifying neonates at risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome.
Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving a total of 100 pregnant women in their third trimester. Fetal pulmonary artery Doppler ultrasound measurements were performed on the participants. Neonates underwent clinical and radiological assessment for RDS in first 72 hrs. Accuracy of Doppler indices for predicting RDS was analyzed.
Results: Neonates with RDS exhibited significantly lower values of At/Et, PSV, and S/D, alongside higher values of PI and RI. A significant negative correlation was found between At/Et, PSV, and S/D, and a positive correlation between RI and oxygen therapy duration. At/Et, PSV, PI, and RI demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for predicting RDS at their respective cutoff values.
Conclusion:  Fetal pulmonary artery indices effectively predict lung maturity and neonatal RDS; however, combining AT/Et with other predictors is recommended to maintain specificity across different gestational ages.