BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether fetuses of placenta previa pregnancies have cardiac dysfunction by use of a modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted including 178 fetuses at 28–40 weeks of gestation. Eighty-nine fetuses of mothers with placenta previa and without pregnancy complications were recruited (placenta previa group) and matched with 89 fetuses of mothers with normal pregnancies (control group). Fetal cardiac function parameters and perinatal outcomes as well as the Mod-MPI were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS: The median Mod-MPI was significantly increased in fetuses of mothers with placenta previa compared with controls (0.47±0.05 vs. 0.45±0.05; P<0.01). Among fetuses of mothers with or without placenta previa, the Mod-MPI was significantly higher in the incomplete placenta previa group compared with the complete placenta previa group and control group (P<0.01). An increased Mod-MPI in placenta previa pregnancies was independently associated with fetal cord pH <7.2 (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–23.54; P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: There is impairment of fetal cardiac function in pregnancies with placenta previa. An increased MPI was independently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes to some extent in the placenta previa pregnancies.

Keywords: Echocardiography, Doppler, Fetal Heart, Placental Circulation