Application of the Magnitude-Squared Coherence Function Between Uterine and Umbilical Flow Velocity Waveforms for Predicting Placental Dysfunction: A Preliminary Study

To examine whether the magnitude-squared coherence between uterine and umbilical blood flow velocity waveforms can, in conjunction with estimated fetal weight, uterine and umbilical pulsatility indices, fetal and maternal heart rates, diastolic notching and the amniotic fluid index, create a sensitive and specific model for the prediction of placental dysfunction. Binary logistic prediction models are created for preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction in a study group of 284 unselected midtrimester pregnancies. In each study group, the median value of derived parameters were compared with the uncomplicated pregnancy control group. The magnitude-squared coherence function between the uterine and umbilical flow velocity waveforms was found to be a statistically significant predictor of preeclampsia during the midtrimester of pregnancy. The magnitude-squared coherence did not improve the prediction of intrauterine growth restriction or pregnancy induced hypertension. The inclusion of magnitude-squared coherence as one of the prediction parameters may improve the early identification of pregnancies subsequently complicated by preeclampsia. (E-mail: p.struijk@erasmusmc.nl)