F49Subclassification of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus using fetal Doppler velocimetry

Abstract

BackgroundOur purpose was to determine whether small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetus can be divided to subclassified groups using fetal Doppler velocimetry.MethodFifty‐four pregnant women with SGA infant delivered after 37 weeks of gestation were studied. After 24 weeks of gestation, fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCAPI) and umbilical artery pulsatility index (UAPI) were measured at 2‐to 3‐week intervals using Doppler ultrasound. Perinatal outcomes were compared in subclassifid SGA groups using fetal Doppler velocimetry.ResultsThe number of SGA fetuses with normal MCAPI and UAPI (normal SGA group) was 39, and those with significantly low MCAPI but normal UAPI (eventful SGA group) 15, respectively. Birth age and birth weights in eventful SGA group were significantly earlier and lower than those in normal SGA group, respectively (P < 0.05, and P < 0.005). There were significant increases in operative deliveries, abnormal FHR patterns and decreased amniotic fluid in eventful SGA group. However, there were no significant differences in meconium staining of amniotic fluid, low Apgar score, neonatal acidosis, and NICU admission between the two groups.ConclusionThese results suggest that SGA fetus with abnormally low MCAPI but normal UAPI has more poor perinatal outcomes, compared with that with normal MCAPI and UAPI.