Ultrasound and Doppler Assessment of Fetuses with Growth Restriction in the Absence of an Evident Etiological Factor

Background: Differentiation between normal and pathological fetal growth may be difficult and a regular fetal biometry is required, with ultrasound examination of the placenta, amniotic fluid index assessment and Doppler velocimetry of pregnancies with fetal growth disorders, even in the absence of a clear etiologic factor.
Material and method: This is an observational study and includes two groups: one with 24 pregnancies with FGR confirmed postpartum (SGA+) and another with 42 pregnancies with normal birth weight (SGA-). The database contained personal data, several parameters of fetal biometry, amniotic fluid index, placentation and velocimetric indices, birth-related data. Statistical analysis of obtained data was carried out using Microsoft Excel and Graphpad Prisma programs. We used the Student test, Z test and Chi square test and Fisher when needed. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. We also used Pearson correlation index.
Results: Between the two groups there were statistically significant differences regarding fetal biometry parameters, especially AC and ultrasound estimated weight and birth weight, infant length, Apgar score at 5′ and days of hospitalization. Velocimetric indices were significantly higher in placental uterine and umbilical artery in SGA+ group. There was a negative correlation between umbilical RI and AFI in SGA+ group but without statistical significance.
Conclusions: Fetal biometry, umbilical artery Doppler examination (when RI <0.6) and AFI calculation (>10) are the most used methods in the assessment of normal fetal growth and intrauterine fetal wellbeing.