Fetal growth restriction Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2019;41(4):256-263
The hypothesis of fetal origins to adult diseases proposes that metabolic chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension originate in the developmental plasticity due to intrauterine insults. These processes involve an adaptative response by the fetus to changes in the environmental signals, which can promote the reset of hormones and of the metabolism to establish a “thrifty phenotype”. Metabolic alterations during intrauterine growth restriction can modify the fetal programming. The present nonsystematic review intended to summarize historical and current references that indicated that developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) occur as a consequence of altered maternal and fetal metabolic pathways. The purpose is to highlight the potential implications of growth factors and adipokines in “developmental programming”, which could interfere in the development by controlling fetal growth patterns. These changes affect the structure and the functional capacity of various organs, including the brain, the kidneys, and the pancreas. These investigations may improve the approach to optimizing antenatal as well as perinatal care aimed to protect newborns against long-termchronic diseases.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2019;41(4):256-263
The hypothesis of fetal origins to adult diseases proposes that metabolic chronic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension originate in the developmental plasticity due to intrauterine insults. These processes involve an adaptative response by the fetus to changes in the environmental signals, which can promote the reset of hormones and of the metabolism to establish a “thrifty phenotype”. Metabolic alterations during intrauterine growth restriction can modify the fetal programming. The present nonsystematic review intended to summarize historical and current references that indicated that developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) occur as a consequence of altered maternal and fetal metabolic pathways. The purpose is to highlight the potential implications of growth factors and adipokines in “developmental programming”, which could interfere in the development by controlling fetal growth patterns. These changes affect the structure and the functional capacity of various organs, including the brain, the kidneys, and the pancreas. These investigations may improve the approach to optimizing antenatal as well as perinatal care aimed to protect newborns against long-termchronic diseases.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(5):287-293
To perform a comprehensive review of the current evidence on the role of uterine artery Doppler, isolated or in combination with other markers, in screening for preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the general population. The review included recently published large cohort studies and randomized trials.
A search of the literature was conducted usingMedline, PubMed, MeSH and ScienceDirect. Combinations of the search terms “preeclampsia,” “screening,” “prediction,” “Doppler,” “Doppler velocimetry,” “fetal growth restriction,” “small for gestational age” and “uterine artery” were used. Articles in English (excluding reviews) reporting the use of uterine artery Doppler in screening for PE and FGR were included.
Thirty articles were included. As a single predictor, uterine artery Doppler detects less than 50% of the cases of PE and no more than 40% of the pregnancies affected by FGR. Logistic regression-based models that allow calculation of individual risk based on the combination of multiple markers, in turn, is able to detect ~ 75% of the cases of preterm PE and 55% of the pregnancies resulting in small for gestational age infants.
The use of uterine artery Doppler as a single predictive test for PE and FGR has poor accuracy. However, its combined use in predictive models is promising, being more accurate in detecting preterm PE than FGR.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2018;40(5):287-293
To perform a comprehensive review of the current evidence on the role of uterine artery Doppler, isolated or in combination with other markers, in screening for preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the general population. The review included recently published large cohort studies and randomized trials.
A search of the literature was conducted usingMedline, PubMed, MeSH and ScienceDirect. Combinations of the search terms “preeclampsia,” “screening,” “prediction,” “Doppler,” “Doppler velocimetry,” “fetal growth restriction,” “small for gestational age” and “uterine artery” were used. Articles in English (excluding reviews) reporting the use of uterine artery Doppler in screening for PE and FGR were included.
Thirty articles were included. As a single predictor, uterine artery Doppler detects less than 50% of the cases of PE and no more than 40% of the pregnancies affected by FGR. Logistic regression-based models that allow calculation of individual risk based on the combination of multiple markers, in turn, is able to detect ~ 75% of the cases of preterm PE and 55% of the pregnancies resulting in small for gestational age infants.
The use of uterine artery Doppler as a single predictive test for PE and FGR has poor accuracy. However, its combined use in predictive models is promising, being more accurate in detecting preterm PE than FGR.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(6):291-296
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005169
Beta thalassemia major is a rare hereditary blood disease in which impaired synthesis
of beta globin chains causes severe anemia. Medical treatment consists of chronic
blood transfusions and iron chelation. We describe two cases of adolescents with beta
thalassemia major with unplanned pregnancies and late onset of prenatal care. One had
worsening of anemia with increased transfusional requirement, fetal growth
restriction, and placental senescence. The other was also diagnosed with
hypothyroidism and low maternal weight, and was admitted twice during pregnancy due
to dengue shock syndrome and influenza H1N1-associated respiratory infection. She
also developed fetal growth restriction and underwent vaginal delivery at term
complicated by uterine hypotonia. Both patients required blood transfusions after
birth and chose medroxyprogesterone as a contraceptive method afterwards. This report
highlights the importance of medical advice on contraceptive methods for these women
and the role of a specialized prenatal follow-up in association with a
hematologist.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2015;37(6):291-296
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320150005169
Beta thalassemia major is a rare hereditary blood disease in which impaired synthesis
of beta globin chains causes severe anemia. Medical treatment consists of chronic
blood transfusions and iron chelation. We describe two cases of adolescents with beta
thalassemia major with unplanned pregnancies and late onset of prenatal care. One had
worsening of anemia with increased transfusional requirement, fetal growth
restriction, and placental senescence. The other was also diagnosed with
hypothyroidism and low maternal weight, and was admitted twice during pregnancy due
to dengue shock syndrome and influenza H1N1-associated respiratory infection. She
also developed fetal growth restriction and underwent vaginal delivery at term
complicated by uterine hypotonia. Both patients required blood transfusions after
birth and chose medroxyprogesterone as a contraceptive method afterwards. This report
highlights the importance of medical advice on contraceptive methods for these women
and the role of a specialized prenatal follow-up in association with a
hematologist.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(10):611-615
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999001000009
Term abdominal pregnancy with live fetus is an obstetrical rarity with high fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of abdominal pregnancy in a 43-year-old woman. The diagnosis was made only at term (37 weeks) by clinical findings and echography. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and a living female newborn weighing 2,570 g was extracted. Apgar scores were 3, 6 and 8 at the 1st, 5th and 10th minutes, respectively. Placenta was inserted in the omentum and was removed without complications. Postoperative course was uneventful and both mother and child were discharged healthy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(10):611-615
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999001000009
Term abdominal pregnancy with live fetus is an obstetrical rarity with high fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of abdominal pregnancy in a 43-year-old woman. The diagnosis was made only at term (37 weeks) by clinical findings and echography. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and a living female newborn weighing 2,570 g was extracted. Apgar scores were 3, 6 and 8 at the 1st, 5th and 10th minutes, respectively. Placenta was inserted in the omentum and was removed without complications. Postoperative course was uneventful and both mother and child were discharged healthy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(9):697-701
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000900004
PURPOSE: to evaluate perinatal results in pregnant women over 35 years old and to check differences between two groups: 35 to 39-year-old women and women older than 40. METHODS: a retrospective survey was made during the period between January/2000 and July/2003, through the analysis of obstetric charts of 3,093 pregnant women who delivered in the "Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual - Francisco Morato de Oliveira", excluding 933 patients. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 18 to 29 years old (control group), 35 to 39 years old, and over 40 years old. Data collection was done with standardized forms, and the data were transferred to an electronic spreadsheet (Excel - Microsoft Office 2000). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi2 test and the Fisher test. The alpha risk was less or equal to 5% and the confidence interval 95%. RESULTS: cesarean section was the most used method not only in the 35 to 39-year-old group (438/792; 55.3%) but also in the group of women over 40 (153/236; 64.8%). The rates of prematurity (39/236; 16.5%), low weight (37/236; 15.7%), and restriction of fetal growth (38/236; 16.1%) were significantly higher in the group of women over 40, when compared to the other groups. Concerning fetal death, a five times higher incidence was observed in the group over 40 years old, as compared to the other groups, a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: the only difference between the 35 to 39-year-old group and the control group was the cesarean section rate. This allows us to suggest a differentiated prenatal attendance for pregnant women over 40.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(9):697-701
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000900004
PURPOSE: to evaluate perinatal results in pregnant women over 35 years old and to check differences between two groups: 35 to 39-year-old women and women older than 40. METHODS: a retrospective survey was made during the period between January/2000 and July/2003, through the analysis of obstetric charts of 3,093 pregnant women who delivered in the "Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual - Francisco Morato de Oliveira", excluding 933 patients. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 18 to 29 years old (control group), 35 to 39 years old, and over 40 years old. Data collection was done with standardized forms, and the data were transferred to an electronic spreadsheet (Excel - Microsoft Office 2000). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi2 test and the Fisher test. The alpha risk was less or equal to 5% and the confidence interval 95%. RESULTS: cesarean section was the most used method not only in the 35 to 39-year-old group (438/792; 55.3%) but also in the group of women over 40 (153/236; 64.8%). The rates of prematurity (39/236; 16.5%), low weight (37/236; 15.7%), and restriction of fetal growth (38/236; 16.1%) were significantly higher in the group of women over 40, when compared to the other groups. Concerning fetal death, a five times higher incidence was observed in the group over 40 years old, as compared to the other groups, a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: the only difference between the 35 to 39-year-old group and the control group was the cesarean section rate. This allows us to suggest a differentiated prenatal attendance for pregnant women over 40.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(7):535-541
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000700005
PURPOSE: to evaluate the validity of transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD)/abdominal circumference (AC) ratio in the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR), determining its best cutoff value and accuracy in symmetric and asymmetric FGR. METHOD: a prospective cross-sectional study, carried out in 250 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies, gestational age between 20 and 42 weeks, with ultrasound confirmation. The TCD measurement was obtained by placing the calipers at the outer margins of the cerebellum, after its localization in the posterior fossa, and slightly rotating the transducer below the plane of the thalami. The abdominal circumference was measured at the on junction of the left portal and umbilical veins. The best TCD/AC cutoff ratio was established by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Neonates with TCD/AC ratio greater than the cutoff value were diagnosed as having FGR. We classified as gold standard for FGR the newborn infants who presented birth weight below the 10th percentile. Neonates showing FGR and Rohrer ponderal index between 2.2 and 3 were labeled as symmetric and below 2.2, asymmetric. RESULTS: the cutoff value calculated by the ROC curve for TCD/AC ratio was 16.15. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio for positive and negative tests were 77.4, 82.6, 38.7, 96.3, 82, 4.5 and 3.7%, respectively. In the symmetric FGR, sensitivity and specificity were 80.8 and 81.7%, respectively. In the asymmetric FGR, sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TCD/AC ratio is an effective method in symmetric and asymmetric FGR diagnosis.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(7):535-541
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000700005
PURPOSE: to evaluate the validity of transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD)/abdominal circumference (AC) ratio in the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR), determining its best cutoff value and accuracy in symmetric and asymmetric FGR. METHOD: a prospective cross-sectional study, carried out in 250 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies, gestational age between 20 and 42 weeks, with ultrasound confirmation. The TCD measurement was obtained by placing the calipers at the outer margins of the cerebellum, after its localization in the posterior fossa, and slightly rotating the transducer below the plane of the thalami. The abdominal circumference was measured at the on junction of the left portal and umbilical veins. The best TCD/AC cutoff ratio was established by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Neonates with TCD/AC ratio greater than the cutoff value were diagnosed as having FGR. We classified as gold standard for FGR the newborn infants who presented birth weight below the 10th percentile. Neonates showing FGR and Rohrer ponderal index between 2.2 and 3 were labeled as symmetric and below 2.2, asymmetric. RESULTS: the cutoff value calculated by the ROC curve for TCD/AC ratio was 16.15. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio for positive and negative tests were 77.4, 82.6, 38.7, 96.3, 82, 4.5 and 3.7%, respectively. In the symmetric FGR, sensitivity and specificity were 80.8 and 81.7%, respectively. In the asymmetric FGR, sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TCD/AC ratio is an effective method in symmetric and asymmetric FGR diagnosis.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(5):383-389
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000500007
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the measurement of uterine height in order to predict fetal growth restriction (FGR), according to a local curve. METHODS: from July 2000 to February 2003, 238 high-risk pregnant women were submitted to uterine height measurements between the 20th and the 42nd week of gestation. The gestational age of all the women was well known, confirmed by early ultrasound. Fifty (21%) women gave birth to infants considered small for their gestational age. The measures were performed by a single observer, who took 1617 uterine height measurements, from the upper border of the symphysis pubis to the fundus uteri, using tape measurement. The diagnosis of FGR was confirmed after birth according to the Ramos's curve. The women were divided into two groups according to their infant's birth weight and the data were statistically analyzed by the Fisher's exact test or Kruskal-Wallis's test. The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. The test for two proportions with normal approximation was performed to analyze the continuous variables. RESULTS: one measurement below the 10th percentile, according to gestational age, resulted in SE = 78.0%, SP = 77.1%, PPV = 47.6%, and NPV = 88.8% for the identification of FGR. If one measurement was below the 5th percentile, the SE, SP, PPV, and NPV were 64.0, 89.9, 62.7 and 90.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: one measurement below the 10th percentile for the gestational age, according to the local curve, proved to be a good predictor of FGR.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(5):383-389
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000500007
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the measurement of uterine height in order to predict fetal growth restriction (FGR), according to a local curve. METHODS: from July 2000 to February 2003, 238 high-risk pregnant women were submitted to uterine height measurements between the 20th and the 42nd week of gestation. The gestational age of all the women was well known, confirmed by early ultrasound. Fifty (21%) women gave birth to infants considered small for their gestational age. The measures were performed by a single observer, who took 1617 uterine height measurements, from the upper border of the symphysis pubis to the fundus uteri, using tape measurement. The diagnosis of FGR was confirmed after birth according to the Ramos's curve. The women were divided into two groups according to their infant's birth weight and the data were statistically analyzed by the Fisher's exact test or Kruskal-Wallis's test. The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. The test for two proportions with normal approximation was performed to analyze the continuous variables. RESULTS: one measurement below the 10th percentile, according to gestational age, resulted in SE = 78.0%, SP = 77.1%, PPV = 47.6%, and NPV = 88.8% for the identification of FGR. If one measurement was below the 5th percentile, the SE, SP, PPV, and NPV were 64.0, 89.9, 62.7 and 90.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: one measurement below the 10th percentile for the gestational age, according to the local curve, proved to be a good predictor of FGR.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(5):349-354
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000500002
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the accuracy of both the transverse diameter of the cerebellum (TDC) and of the transverse diameter/abdominal circumference (TDC/AC) ratio in the detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR), in high-risk pregnancies. METHOD: a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 260 patients with gestational age between 28 and 40 weeks. The TDC and AC of fetuses were measured through ultrasound and the fetuses with TDC below the 10th percentile or TDC/AC ratio above the 90th percentile (>14.6) were classified as FGR suspects. After birth, the accuracy of the TDC and TDC/AC was evaluated using the neonatal diagnosis of FGR as the gold standard (birth weight <10th percentile). RESULTS: after birth, 79 newborns (30.4%) were classified as small for gestational age. The TDC was appropriate in 74 (93.7%) of these fetuses and small in only 5 (6.3%). The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and accuracy of the TDC in the prediction of FGR were 6.3, 93.4, 29.4, 69.5, and 67%, respectively. The TDC/AC >14.6 correctly identified 59 of the 79 growth-restricted fetuses, with 27 false-positives and 20 false-negatives, SE of 74.5%, SP of 85.1%, PPV of 68.6%, NPV of 88.5% and 81.9% accuracy. CONCLUSION: the TDC is not a good screening parameter for the detection of FGR while the TDC/AC ratio above the 90th percentile is effective in this detection.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2004;26(5):349-354
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032004000500002
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the accuracy of both the transverse diameter of the cerebellum (TDC) and of the transverse diameter/abdominal circumference (TDC/AC) ratio in the detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR), in high-risk pregnancies. METHOD: a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 260 patients with gestational age between 28 and 40 weeks. The TDC and AC of fetuses were measured through ultrasound and the fetuses with TDC below the 10th percentile or TDC/AC ratio above the 90th percentile (>14.6) were classified as FGR suspects. After birth, the accuracy of the TDC and TDC/AC was evaluated using the neonatal diagnosis of FGR as the gold standard (birth weight <10th percentile). RESULTS: after birth, 79 newborns (30.4%) were classified as small for gestational age. The TDC was appropriate in 74 (93.7%) of these fetuses and small in only 5 (6.3%). The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and accuracy of the TDC in the prediction of FGR were 6.3, 93.4, 29.4, 69.5, and 67%, respectively. The TDC/AC >14.6 correctly identified 59 of the 79 growth-restricted fetuses, with 27 false-positives and 20 false-negatives, SE of 74.5%, SP of 85.1%, PPV of 68.6%, NPV of 88.5% and 81.9% accuracy. CONCLUSION: the TDC is not a good screening parameter for the detection of FGR while the TDC/AC ratio above the 90th percentile is effective in this detection.
