Audio spectrum analysis of umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound signals applied to a clinical material

Analysis of umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms characterized by pulsatility index (PI) is used to evaluate fetoplacental circulation in high-risk pregnancies. However, an experienced sonographer may be able to further differentiate between various timbres of Doppler audio signals. Recently, we have developed a method for objective audio signal characterization; the method has been tested in an animal model. In the present pilot study, the method was for the first time applied to human pregnancies. Doppler umbilical artery velocimetry was performed in 13 preterm fetuses before and after two doses of 12mg betamethasone. The auditory measure defined by the frequency band where the spectral energy had dropped 15dB from its maximum level (MAX(peak-15dB)), increased two days after betamethasone administration (p=0.001) parallel with a less pronounced decrease in PI (p=0.04). The new auditory parameter MAX(peak-15dB) reflected the changes more sensitively than the PI did.