Changes in uterine artery pulsatility index in conservative management of retained placenta

Abstract

Conservative management of retained placenta after full-term delivery is an alternative option when there is a desire to preserve fertility. Changes over time in β-hCG levels and uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) were investigated in three cases under conservative management. In all three cases, the half-life of β-hCG levels was about 5 days. The uterine artery PI tended to be lower on the placental attachment side, and PI increased in a time-dependent manner. After the uterine artery PI on the placental attachment side exceeded 1.5, the residual placenta was expelled. In conservative management, uterine artery PI measurement may be significant as a predictor of spontaneous expulsion of the retained placenta.