Diagnosis Of Fetal Growth Restriction Research Articles

Associations of serum D-dimer and glycosylated hemoglobin levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a special type of diabetes that commonly occurs in women during pregnancy and involves impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal glucose metabolism; GDM is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and can affect fetal growth and development. To investigate the associations of serum D-dimer (D-D) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction (FGR) in GDM patients. The clinical data of 164 pregnant women who were diagnosed with GDM and delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2021 to January 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Among these women, 63 whose fetuses had FGR were included in the FGR group, and 101 women whose fetuses had normal body weights were included in the normal body weight group (normal group). Fasting venous blood samples were collected from the elbow at 28-30 wk gestation and 1-3 d before delivery to measure serum D-D and HbA1c levels for comparative analysis. The diagnostic value of serum D-D and HbA1c levels for FGR was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the influencing factors of third-trimester FGR in GDM patients were analyzed by logistic regression. Serum fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, D-D and HbA1c levels were significantly greater in the FGR group than in the normal group, while the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values were lower (P < 0.05). Regarding the diagnosis of FGR based on serum D-D and HbA1c levels, the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.826 and 0.848, the cutoff values were 3.04 mg/L and 5.80%, the sensitivities were 81.0% and 79.4%, and the specificities were 88.1% and 87.1%, respectively. The AUC of serum D-D plus HbA1c levels for diagnosing FGR was 0.928, and the sensitivity and specificity were 84.1% and 91.1%, respectively. High D-D and HbA1c levels were risk factors for third-trimester FGR in GDM patients (P < 0.05). D-D and HbA1c levels can indicate the occurrence of FGR in GDM patients in the third trimester of pregnancy to some extent, and their combination can be used as an important index for the early prediction of FGR.

Long-term neurological outcomes of offspring misdiagnosed with fetal growth restriction.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major determinant of adverse short- and long-term perinatal outcomes. The current definition of FGR (estimated fetal weight measurement < 10th percentile) may lead, at times, to a false diagnosis of fetuses that are eventually born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Our objective was to investigate the potential association between a misdiagnosis of antepartum fetal growth restriction and long-term neurological outcomes in offspring. A population-based cohort analysis was performed including deliveries between the years 1991-2020 in a tertiary medical center. We compared neurological hospitalization during childhood among AGA infants falsely diagnosed as FGR versus AGA infants without a false FGR diagnosis. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to assess cumulative morbidity and a Cox proportional hazards model was employed to control for confounders. During the study period, 324,620 AGA infants met the inclusion criteria; 3249 of them were falsely classified as FGR. These offspring had higher rates of hospitalizations due to various neurological conditions, as compared to those without an FGR diagnosis (OR 1.431, 95% CI 1.278-1.608; P < 0.001). In addition, cumulative hospitalization incidence was elevated in the FGR group (log-rank P-value < 0.001). When controlling for confounders, a false FGR diagnosis remained independently associated with long-term neurological morbidities (adjusted HR 1.086, 95% CI 1.003-1.177, P = 0.043). Misdiagnosis of FGR in the antepartum period is associated with an increased risk for offspring long-term neurological morbidities.

Radiological Modalities for the Assessment of Fetal Growth Restriction: A Comprehensive Review

Fetal growth restriction is a significant contributor to fetal morbidity and mortality. In addition, there are heightened maternal risks associated with surgical operations and their accompanying dangers. Monitoring fetal development is a crucial objective of prenatal care and effective methods for early diagnosis of Fetal growth restriction, allowing prompt management and timely intervention to improve the outcomes. Screening for Fetal growth restriction can be achieved via many modalities; it can be medical, biochemical, or radiological. Some recommended combining more than one for better outcomes. Currently, there is inconsistency about the best method of Fetal growth restriction screening. In this review, a comprehensive evaluation of the current radiological methods used for Fetal growth restriction, including serial growth scan, Doppler velocimetry, and biophysical profile is offered. Limitations, and potential enhancements area were specifically analyzing the effectiveness. Moreover, recently developed experimental radiological techniques were presented and how to integrate them into practice to enhance follow-up performance and results.

Prenatal identification of fetal growth restriction and risk of stillbirth

The aim of the work is to determine the frequency and impact of prenatal identification of fetal growth restriction (FGR) on obstetric and perinatal outcomes based on a retrospective analysis. Materials and methods. In total, 618 birth histories in singleton normal pregnancies complicated by FGR in the city of Zaporizhzhia were analyzed. Of these, in 546 cases of FGR, women gave birth to live infants (group I), and in 72 such cases, pregnancies ended up in a stillbirth (group II). The mean age of pregnant women in the studied groups was 28.7 ± 3.1 and 31.7 ± 3.1 years and it was significantly greater in group II (p &lt; 0.0001). In all the cases, the gestational age was ≥22 weeks, and the fetal weight was less than the 10th percentile for the relevant gestational age according to the current Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 1718 dated 02.10.2023. Growth restriction in newborns was determined according to the criteria of the Consensus Definition (2018) including birth weight the &lt;3rd percentile, or a combination of three of the following criteria: birth weight the &lt;10th percentile; head circumference the &lt;10th percentile; prenatal diagnosis of FGR; prenatal risk factors associated with FGR. A stillbirth was defined as death of a fetus after 22 weeks of gestation without any signs of life. Exclusion criteria from the study were: multiple pregnancy, the presence of a chromosomal abnormality in a fetus, an undetermined gestational age in the 1st trimester. Results. A significant proportion of fetuses with FGR signs has been revealed in group II, which was 17 times more than that in group I. The study data have demonstrated a rather low level of prenatal FGR identification in both groups (35.6 %), while in group II, the diagnosis of FGR was made before delivery only in every fifth case (p &lt; 0.05). Data analysis has shown a higher percentage of preterm births among pregnant women in group II (p &lt; 0.0001) with the maximum number of births in this group at 28- and 36-weeks’ gestation. The average weight percentile was significantly higher in group II, namely 4.12 compared to 3.77 (p &lt; 0.0001), however, the number of fetuses with a weight the &lt;1st percentile occurred significantly more often in group I (p &lt; 0.05). The frequency of fetal distress in group I was greater among fetuses with the birth weight 10th percentile than among those with fetal weight less than the 3rd percentile. Conclusions. The conducted study results have shown a large percentage of FGR fetuses in the structure of stillbirths with no downward trend. A low level of FGR prenatal identification has been found in both groups (35.6 %), while in the group of stillbirths, the indicator was significantly lower and amounted to 22.22 %. The presence of FGR has resulted in a significant increase in the relative risk of stillbirth – 28.4, 95 % CI [21.2; 38.3]. Besides, the additional risk was increased (11.0, 95 % CI [8.7; 13.8]) if FGR was not diagnosed during pregnancy. At the same time, the odds ratio was 32.1, 95 % CI [23.3; 44.1].

The impact of late pregnancy dating on the detection of fetal growth restriction at term.

The inaccuracy of late pregnancy dating is often discussed, and the impact on diagnosis of fetal growth restriction is a concern. However, the magnitude and direction of this effect has not previously been demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of late pregnancy dating by head circumference on the detection of late onset growth restriction, compared to first trimester crown-rump length dating. This was a cohort study of 14 013 pregnancies receiving obstetric care at a tertiary center over a three-year period. Universal scans were performed at 12 weeks, including crown-rump length; at 20 weeks including fetal biometry; and at 36 weeks, where biometry, umbilical artery doppler and cerebroplacental ratio were used to determine the incidence of fetal growth restriction according to the Delphi consensus. For the entire cohort, the gestational age was first calculated using T1 dating; and was then recalculated using head circumference at 20 weeks (T2 dating); and at 36 weeks (T3 dating). The incidence of fetal growth restriction following T2 and T3 dating was compared to T1 dating using four-by-four sensitivity tables. When the cohort was redated from T1 to T2, the median gestation at delivery changed from 40 + 0 to 40 + 2 weeks (p < 0.001). When the cohort was redated from T1 to T3, the median gestation at delivery changed from 40 + 0 to 40 + 3 weeks (p < 0.001). T2 dating resulted in fetal growth restriction sensitivity of 80.2% with positive predictive value of 78.8% compared to T1 dating. T3 dating resulted in sensitivity of 8.6% and positive predictive value of 27.7%, respectively. The sensitivity of abnormal CPR remained high despite T2 and T3 redating; 98.0% and 89.4%, respectively. Although dating at 11-14 weeks is recommended, late pregnancy dating is sometimes inevitable, and this can prolong the estimated due date by an average of two to three days. One in five pregnancies which would be classified as growth restricted if the pregnancy was dated in the first trimester, will be reclassified as nongrowth restricted following dating at 20 weeks, whereas nine out of 10 pregnancies will be reclassified as non-growth restricted with 36-week dating.

Contribution of uniparental disomy to fetal growth restriction: a whole-exome sequencing series in a prenatal setting

Fetal growth restriction (FGR), a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, is caused by fetal, maternal, and placental factors. Uniparental disomy (UPD) is a rare condition that leads to imprinting effects, low-level mosaic aneuploidies and homozygosity for pathogenic variants. In the present study, UPD events were detected in 5 women with FGR by trio exome sequencing (trio-WES) of a cohort of 150 FGR cases. Furthermore, noninvasive prenatal testing results of the 5 patients revealed a high risk of rare autosomal trisomy. Trio-WES showed no copy-number variations (CNVs) or nondisease-causing mutations associated with FGR. Among the 5 women with FGR, two showed gene imprinting, and two exhibited confined placental mosaicism (CPM) by copy number variant sequencing (CNV-seq). The present study showed that in FGR patients with UPD, the detection of imprinted genes and CPM could enhance the genetic diagnosis of FGR.

The association between parental SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and fetal growth restriction.

Although the relationship between maternal viral infections and fetal growth restriction (FGR) is well established, the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and FGR remains unclear. We investigated the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and FGR at a single county hospital. We performed a prospective cohort study with cohorts matched by gestational age and month of SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing between April 2020 and July 2022. Individuals were included if they had a SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing up to 32weeks of gestation and had a third trimester ultrasound. Primary outcome was a diagnosis of FGR, while secondary outcomes were rates of preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA) and birthweight. Univariate analyses, chi-square test and logistic regression were used for analysis. Our cohorts constituted of 102 pregnant individuals with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result and 103 pregnant individuals with a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test result in pregnancy. FGR rates were 17.8 % and 19.42 % among positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 cohorts respectively. While a statistical difference in preeclampsia rates was noted (34.31 % vs. 21.36 %, p=0.038) between cohorts, odds of getting preeclampsia based on SARS-CoV-2 test result was not significant (aOR 1.01, CI=0.97-1.01, p=0.75). No statistical difference was noted in demographics, FGR and SGA rates, and birthweight. Our findings suggest no association between SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and FGR at a single institution. Our results validate emerging data that additional fetal growth ultrasonographic assessment is not indicated solely based on SARS-CoV-2 infection status.

850 Timing of the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction: better early or better late?

850 Timing of the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction: better early or better late?

Maternal serum fatty acid binding protein-4 level is upregulated in fetal growth restriction with abnormal Doppler flow patterns.

This study aimed to determine fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP-4) concentrations in maternal serum of fetal growth restriction (FGR) pregnancies and controls of normal pregnancies. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the alterations in FABP-4 levels might correlate with FGR severity. We performed this prospective case-control study with 83 pregnant women. The study groups included 26 FGR pregnancies without abnormal fetal Doppler flow patterns and 25 pregnancies complicated with FGR accompanied by abnormal fetal Doppler flow patterns. The median serum FABP-4 concentrations were significantly higher in the FGR cases with abnormal Doppler flow pattern group (2.09 ng/mL) than in the FGR cases without abnormal Doppler flow pattern group (1.62 ng/mL) and the control group (1.20 ng/mL, p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between maternal serum FABP-4 levels and time to birth from blood sample collection (r = -0.356 and p = 0.001), gestational week at birth (r = -0.386 and p < 0.001), and birth weight (r = -0.394 and p < 0.001). A 1.35 ng/mL cut-off value of serum FABP-4 level could be used to discriminate FGR cases with a 78.4% sensitivity and 60.6% specificity. The optimal cut-off value of FABP-4 levels as an indicator for the diagnosis of FGR with abnormal Doppler flow pattern was estimated to be 1.76 ng/mL, which yielded a sensitivity of 84.0% and a specificity of 75.8%. FABP-4 is a crucial biomarker in the diagnosis and determining the severity of pregnancies with restricted fetal growth. We consider that FABP-4 is a powerful, reliable, and unique biomarker to diagnose FGR pregnancies.

Obstetrical and perinatal consequences of childbirth in women with antenatally undiagnosed fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the most studied topics in the medicine of the mother and fetus. However, not identified antenatally FGR can have an increased risk of both perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as adverse long-term consequences. The identification of FGR during pregnancy will contribute to the reduction of both perinatal morbidity and perinatal mortality.&#x0D; Aim. Based on a retrospective analysis, assess the obstetric and perinatal consequences of childbirth in women with antenatally undiagnosed fetal growth restriction.&#x0D; Materials and methods. An analysis of 488 cases of childbirth in women with singleton pregnancy, who gave birth to a live child, was conducted. In all cases, the gestational age was ≥22 weeks with a fetal weight less than the 10th percentile for the corresponding gestational age. Depending on the antenatally established diagnosis of FGR, two study groups were formed: group I consisted of 204 (41.8 %) cases with antenatally diagnosed FGR, group II – 284 (58.2 %) cases in which signs of FGR were identified after the birth of the child. Maternal characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and evaluation of short-term infant outcomes were analyzed.&#x0D; Results. Both groups were dominated by women with first births, the number of which was almost the same. Somatic pathology was almost 2 times more common in women of group I, 17.2 %, compared to 9.2 % of women in group II (p &lt; 0.01), this indicates that the majority of women who were not diagnosed with FGR during pregnancy belong to the low-risk group. Fetuses with impaired blood flow in the umbilical cord arteries were twice as common in group I, 49.5 % versus 23.9 % in group II (p &lt; 0.0001), and the frequency of absent/reversible end flow in the umbilical arteries in group I compared to group II, prevailed 3 times (p &lt; 0.0001), indicating more serious lesions of the placenta and, as a result, early manifestation of the fetal condition disorder. The frequency of premature abdominal delivery was 3.75 times higher in group I compared to group II. The most frequent indication for cesarean delivery in both groups was signs of fetal distress syndrome. Analysis of neonatal outcomes showed that the average birth weight was significantly lower in group I and was 2180 ± 55 g against 2420 ± 61 g in group II (p &lt; 0.0001). The need for hospitalization of newborns in the intensive care unit had no statistical difference between the groups (p &gt; 0.05). However, the complications of the early neonatal period and the total length of stay in the hospital were greater in children of the I group, compared to the II group (p &lt; 0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusions. The results of the conducted research indicate a low level of prenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction. Most pregnant women with antenatally undiagnosed fetal growth restriction belong to the group of low perinatal risk. The most frequent indication for cesarean section operation, regardless of the date of delivery, in both groups were signs of fetal distress, the frequency of which was 1.5 times higher in the antenatally diagnosed fetal growth retardation group. Newborns with an undetected growth anomaly before delivery have an increased risk of fetal distress, the severity of which is determined by the degree of deterioration of fetal oxygenation, and not by weight percentile, which requires more careful observation of fetuses with signs of growth restriction.

Prospects for the study of some electrophysiological parameters in the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction

Background. Fetal growth restriction is a clinical syndrome that has adverse effects on both perinatal outcomes and human health in adulthood. Traditional approaches to the diagnosis of this syndrome are based on ultrasound biometry and dopplerometry of uteroplacental and fetal-umbilical blood flow. The equipment used for such research is very expensive, and the training of a qualified specialist takes a long time. Non-invasive electrocardiography makes it possible to evaluate fetal heart rate variability and morphological parameters of the pQRST complex. The purpose: to determine indices of heart rate variability and morphological parameters based on the data of fetal non-invasive electrocardiography, which can be used to diagnose fetal growth restriction. Materials and methods. Two hundred and twenty pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years on 24–41 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study. All of them were divided into two groups: 108 women with fetal growth restriction were included in group I, and 112 patients with healthy fetuses in group II. The fetal electrocardiogram was recorded in abdominal lead for 30–60 minutes. Results. The performed work made it possible to detect statistically significant changes in some indices of heart rate variability on the background of fetal growth restriction: SI, TP, AC/DC, LF, LF/HF ratio, as well as morphological parameters: QTc duration, QRS complex width and T/QRS ratio. The obtained data demonstrated a violation of autonomic regulation following fetal growth restriction and reflected the tension of regulatory systems, namely, the degree of dominance of the activity of central regulatory mechanisms over autonomous ones. Impaired de- and repolarization processes were a consequence of fetal myocardium remodeling due to ischemia. Conclusions. The development of algorithms for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction using non-invasive electrocardiography requires further research of the following parameters: SI, TP, AC/DC, LF, LF/HF ratio, QTc duration, QRS complex width, and T/QRS ratio.

Biomarkers for Diagnosing and Treating Fetal Growth Restriction.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR), a common obstetric complication, significantly increases the risks of fetal intrauterine death and neonatal death, and fetuses with growth restriction are prone to cognitive retardation and various diseases in adulthood. The early determination of FGR risk is contentious in clinical research, and few indicators are available for the early prediction and diagnosis of FGR. This review focuses on the prediction and diagnosis of FGR, as well as the significance of biomarkers for FGR, such as those related to gene regulation, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. Although many of these biomarkers are still in the early stages of research, they are good predictors of the threats to fetal health and safety, and they provide new insights for the treatment of FGR.

Importance of antenatal identification of small for gestational age fetuses on perinatal and childhood outcomes: A register-based cohort study.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with increased risk for stillbirth, perinatal morbidity, cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental disorders and cardiovascular disease later in life. Identifying small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses is crucial for the diagnosis of FGR. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between antenatal identification of SGA fetuses and severe adverse perinatal and childhood outcome. A register-based cohort study of all newborns delivered in Stockholm in 2014 and 2017. singleton pregnancies without chromosomal aberrations or structural abnormalities, with a gestational age at delivery between 22+0 and 43+0 (n = 48 843). Data from childbirth records were linked to data from nationwide Swedish registers. Pregnancy including offspring data were reviewed. Adverse outcomes for non-identified and identified SGA newborns were compared using logistic regression models. Primary outcome was a composite outcome called severe adverse outcome, defined as at least one of the following: stillbirth, severe newborn distress (Apgar score <4 at 5 min, pH <7 or resuscitation activities >10 min), severe neonatal outcome (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy 2-3, necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal seizures, intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3-4, bronchopulmonary disease or death at <1 year), severe childhood outcome (cognitive impairment or motor impairment or cerebral palsy or hearing impairment or visual impairment or death at 1-3 years old). Secondary outcomes were stillbirth, severe newborn distress, severe neonatal outcome, severe childhood outcome. No association was found between antenatal identification of SGA fetuses and severe adverse outcome using the complete composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93-1.53). In subgroup analyses, non-identified SGA fetuses had an almost fivefold increased risk for stillbirth (aOR 4.79, 95% CI 2.63-8.72) and an increased risk for severe newborn distress (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02-1.82), but a decreased risk for severe childhood outcome (aOR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40-0.99). No association was found between antenatal identification of SGA and severe neonatal outcome. Non-identified SGA fetuses have an increased risk for stillbirth and severe newborn distress. Conversely, identified SGA fetuses have an increased risk for severe childhood outcome.

Fetal Growth and Antenatal Testing in Uncomplicated Multiple Gestations.

Multiple gestations experience a slowing of fetal growth in the third trimester and have been described as having a higher risk of growth restriction. Whether this increased diagnosis of fetal growth restriction is physiological or pathologic is controversial. In an attempt to better identify those fetuses most at risk, twin-specific growth charts have been developed and tested. In addition, there are data to suggest that multiple gestations experience an increased risk of unexpected third-trimester stillbirth in apparently uncomplicated pregnancies. This chapter reviews the current data and recommendations for fetal growth assessment, antenatal surveillance, and delivery timing in uncomplicated multiple gestations.

Do differences in diagnostic criteria for late fetal growth restriction matter?

Criteria for diagnosis of fetal growth restriction differ widely according to national and international guidelines, and further heterogeneity arises from the use of different biometric and Doppler reference charts, making the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction highly variable. This study aimed to compare fetal growth restriction definitions between Delphi consensus and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine definitions, using different standards/charts for fetal biometry and different reference ranges for Doppler velocimetry parameters. From the TRUFFLE 2 feasibility study (856 women with singleton pregnancy at 32+0 to 36+6 weeks of gestation and at risk of fetal growth restriction), we selected 564 women with available mid-pregnancy biometry. For the comparison, we used standards/charts for estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference from Hadlock, INTERGROWTH-21st, and GROW and Chitty. Percentiles for umbilical artery pulsatility index and its ratios with middle cerebral artery pulsatility index were calculated using Arduini and Ebbing reference charts. Sensitivity and specificity for low birthweight and adverse perinatal outcome were evaluated. Different combinations of definitions and reference charts identified substantially different proportions of fetuses within our population as having fetal growth restriction, varying from 38% (with Delphi consensus definition, INTERGROWTH-21st biometric standards, and Arduini Doppler reference ranges) to 93% (with Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine definition and Hadlock biometric standards). None of the different combinations tested appeared effective, with relative risk for birthweight <10th percentile between 1.4 and 2.1. Birthweight <10th percentile was observed most frequently when selection was made with the GROW/Chitty charts, slightly less with the Hadlock standard, and least frequently with the INTERGROWTH-21st standard. Using the Ebbing Doppler reference ranges resulted in a far higher proportion identified as having fetal growth restriction compared with the Arduini Doppler reference ranges, whereas Delphi consensus definition with Ebbing Doppler reference ranges produced similar results to those of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine definition. Application of Delphi consensus definition with Arduini Doppler reference ranges was significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome, with any biometric standards/charts. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine definition could not accurately detect adverse perinatal outcome irrespective of estimated fetal weight standard/chart used. Different combinations of fetal growth restriction definitions, biometry standards/charts, and Doppler reference ranges identify different proportions of fetuses with fetal growth restriction. The difference in adverse perinatal outcome may be modest, but can have a significant impact in terms of rate of intervention.

A study on the correlation of clinical and ultrasound diagnosis of fetal growth restriction

A study on the correlation of clinical and ultrasound diagnosis of fetal growth restriction

Current views on the diagnosis and prognosis of fetal growth restriction (A literature review)

Fetal growth restriction remains a leading cause of preterm birth and neurological disorders in children and is associated with high neonatal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Fetal growth restriction is strongly associated with preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, and does not tend to decrease in frequency. The terms small for gestational age and fetal growth restriction are similar in terms of fetometry, however, in modern literature, these concepts differ based on blood flow disorders in the mother-placenta-fetus system and perinatal complications. A deep understanding of the multifactorial pathogenesis of early and late fetal growth restriction will allow for developing targeted therapy of placental insufficiency. Determining the role of new placental growth biomarkers plays a significant role in understanding the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and developing measures to predict placenta-associated pregnancy complications.&#x0D; This review article highlights new approaches to effective fetal growth restriction screening. Recent advances in ultrasound diagnosis of fetal growth restriction provide the basis for multivariate testing that can provide cost-effective screening for placental-associated pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction.

Third-trimester persistent maternal hypotension effects on late-onset small for gestational age and adverse perinatal outcomes.

The purpose of the current study was to examine whether third-trimester persistent maternal hypotension is related to small for gestational age (SGA) and adverse perinatal outcomes. In this large retrospective cohort study, 6560 pregnant women were enrolled and divided into two groups according to maternal tension status: a normotensive group (n: 6290) and a persistent maternal hypotensive group (n: 270). Persistent maternal hypotension was defined as an SBP <100 mmHg and/or DBP <60 mmHg at three antenatal visits: visit 1 (260/7-296/7 gestation weeks), visit 2 (300/7-336/7 gestation weeks), and visit 3 (340/7-366/7 gestation weeks). Following the Delphi consensus criteria, a fetal growth restriction diagnosis was employed. The presence of an SGA neonate was the primary outcome of the study. SGA was defined as fetal abdominal circumference below the 10th percentile or fetal birth weight below the 10th percentile in the absence of abnormal Doppler findings. The secondary outcomes were defined as the presence of other adverse perinatal outcomes. The baseline characteristics of the study population were similar. We found that SGA rates were 6.3% in the control group and 7.0% in the persistent maternal hypotension group, which were statistically similar. In the present study, the secondary outcomes which prematurity, low 5-min Apgar score, and NICU admission were similarly between groups. Our results indicate that third-trimester persistent hypotension is not associated with SGA neonates or adverse perinatal outcomes. Hence, it can be concluded that third-trimester persistent hypotension is a physiological phenomenon during pregnancy that should not cause anxiety in mothers.

Color Doppler Evaluation of Cerebral &amp; Umbilical Pulsatility Ratio and its Usefulness in the Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction

Color Doppler Evaluation of Cerebral &amp; Umbilical Pulsatility Ratio and its Usefulness in the Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction

Relationship between placental thickness, grading, and heterogeneity in fetal growth restriction in the third trimester of pregnancy by ultrasonography and pathology tests and their relationship with estimated fetal weight and neonatal outcome

Introduction: The placenta is the influencing factor on the fetal weight and is as the first organ that reveals the pathological changes of pregnancy. Therefore, placental ultrasound findings influence the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Objectives: This study examines the relationship between placental thickness, grading and heterogeneity during ultrasound and placental pathology in third trimester FGR fetuses and its effect on neonatal outcome. Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study included 67 pregnant women with FGR fetuses in the third trimester of pregnancy with the mean gestational age of 34.52 ± 2.65 weeks and possible termination of pregnancy within the next seven days. The placental thickness, grading, and heterogeneity in ultrasonography were examined and compared with thickness and grading. Their effect was also considered in neonatal outcome and the results were analyzed. Results: In this study, there is a significant relationship between the thickness of the placenta before and after birth with the weight of the placenta, weight and Apgar score, neonatal arterial pH at birth and fetal growth restriction grading in ultrasound, and neonatal outcome. Conclusion: This study shows that ultrasonic placental findings can be effective in determining the final weight of the placenta and fetus and also the final outcome of the baby at birth. Therefore, ultrasound of the placenta should be performed along with pregnancy ultrasound.