Ultrasound Evaluation of Fetal Biometry and Doppler Parameters in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy Suspected of Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate fetal biometry and Doppler parameters in the third trimester of pregnancy with suspected restriction of fetal growth as potential predictors of unfavorable neonatal status.

MATERIAL/METHODS: The uterine artery, umbilical and middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) were evaluated in a cohort of 126 pregnancies that resulted in the birth of a fetus <10 percentiles (SGA).

RESULTS

The demographic data of the studied cases did not show a significant difference between the parameters studied in the two study groups: Late SGA fetuses and Early SGA fetuses. Analyzing fetal biometry we found a significant difference for some parameters in relation to the two study groups. Our study showed that the Early SGA fetuses group had a lower birth weight, a lower gestational age at birth, an increase in the incidence of premature birth with an increase in Doppler abnormal incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound examination and Doppler monitoring provide a non-invasive repetitive method for supervising fetuses with growth restriction in order to apply an adequate management.