ABSTRACT
Early onset fetal growth restriction (EO-FGR) is associated with significant feto-maternal complications, therefore efforts should be made to identify the causes and the potential outcome of the pregnancy. Some of the pitfalls in first-trimester imaging of the fetal anomalies are related to the inadequacy of the examination, because of the fetal position and limited clarity in relation to the size of the structures being examined. In this paper we present a case where careful ultrasound scan follow-up and the use of both approaches transabdominal and transvaginal were useful to complete a detailed structural evaluation as part of the diagnosis, management and prognosis of a fetuses diagnosed with EO-FGR in the first trimester and a triploidy with atypical ultrasound features.
ABSTRACT
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.
