ULTRA-SOUND ASSESSMENT OF FETAL KIDNEY VOLUME AND RENAL BLOOD FLOW VELOCIMETRY IN INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction ( IUGR ) refers to a condition in which an unborn baby is smaller than it should be because it is not growing at a normal rate inside the womb. Delayed growth puts the baby at risk of certain health problems during pregnancy, delivery and after birth. Objective: To investigate the correlation between kidney volume and renal artery Doppler in intra-uterine growth restriction. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective randomized descriptive study on 64 pregnant females devided in to two equal groups: Group A: Pregnant females with restricted fetal growth and Group B: females with normal pregnancy. Fetal renal volume was measured by 3-D ultrasound. Renal artery, umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery Doppler indices were measured for each fetus in both groups. Results: The mean total fetal renal volume was 10.26±2.62 in group A and 16.85±5.35 in group Head circumference, abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight were positively correlated with the total renal volume in both groups, with a statistically significant of group B. Umbilical artery resistance index was inversely correlated with the total renal volume in group The middle cerebral artery resistance index did not show a significant correlation with the TRV in group A in contrast to the control group where a significant negative correlation existed between the two parameters. Conclusion: Intrauterine growth restriction appears to be associated with a decrease in the fetal renal volume.