[Clinical value of ultrasonographic assessment of fetal hypotrophy and the effects of its treatment].

The clinical usefulness was assessed of ultrasonography in the study of fetal hypotrophism determining the parameters BIP, THQ and placental parameters. Fetal growth was assessed and in case of hypotrophism adequate therapeutic management was undertaken. The study was carried out on 56 pregnant women referred for diagnosis and treatment of fetal hypotrophism in the period 1983-1985. The control group comprised 56 women with physiological pregnancy. The study was carried out with examinations at weekly intervals from the 24th week of pregnancy till labour using a Hellige-Panavista unit with a 2.5 MHz probe. The BIP and THQ dimensions were calculated a together with placental parameters. The oestriol level was determined in 24-hour urine. The underlying disease and fetal hypotrophism were treated. The most valuable indicator for the determination of asymmetrical and symmetrical type of hypotrophism and for its monitoring was the BIP/THQ index. Ultrasonography makes possible a rapid and accurate diagnosis of fetal condition and control of its treatment. Ultrasonographic observation of the placenta is a source of valuable information for the obstetrician. Oestriol determination is without any greater significance for monitoring of fetal hypotrophism.