Comparing the relation between ultrasound-estimated fetal weight and birthweight in cohort of small-for-gestational-age fetuses

INTRODUCTION

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) confers a higher perinatal risk of adverse outcomes. Birthweight cannot be accurately measured until delivery, therefore accurate estimated fetal weight (EFW) based on ultrasonography is important in identifying this high-risk population. We aimed to establish the sensitivity of detecting SGA infants antenatally in a unit with a selective third-trimester ultrasound policy and to investigate the association between EFW and birthweight in these babies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on non-anomalous singleton pregnancies delivered after 36 weeks of gestation where SGA (<10th percentile) was diagnosed at delivery. The EFW at the time of the third-trimester ultrasound scan was recorded using standard Hadlock formulae.

RESULTS

In 2017, there were 8392 non-anomalous singleton pregnancies live born after 36 weeks, excluding late bookers. 797 were live-born SGA <10th percentile for birthweight and 464 <5th percentile, who met our inclusion criteria. The antenatal detection rate of SGA was 19.6% for babies with birthweight <10th percentile and 24.1% <5th percentile. There was a significant correlation between the EFW and birthweight of fetuses undergoing ultrasound assessment within 2 weeks of delivery (P < .001, r = 0.73 (Pearson correlation). For these cases, EFW was greater than the birthweight in 65% of cases. After adjusting all EFWs using the discrepancy between EFW and actual birthweight for those babies born within 48 hours of the scan, the mean difference between the birthweight and adjusted EFW 7 days before delivery was 111 g (95% CI 87-136 g) and at 14 days was 200 g (95% CI 153-248 g). Despite adjusting the EFW, 61/213 cases (28.6%) apparently lost weight between the ultrasound scan and delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Small-for-gestational-age infants with a birthweight <10th percentile are poorly identified antenatally with little improvement for those <5th percentile. In SGA babies, ultrasound EFW overestimated birthweight. Discrepancies between birthweight and EFW are not explicable only by the limitations of third-trimester sonography, a reduction in fetal weight close to delivery in a proportion of liveborn SGA babies is plausible.

Prenatal ultrasound staging system for placenta accreta spectrum disorders

OBJECTIVES

To develop a prenatal ultrasound staging system for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders in women with placenta previa and to evaluate its association with surgical outcome, placental invasion and the clinical staging system for PAS disorders proposed by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO).

METHODS

This was a secondary retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from women with placenta previa. We classified women according to the following staging system for PAS disorders, based upon the presence of ultrasound signs of PAS in women with placenta previa: PAS0, placenta previa with no ultrasound signs of invasion or with placental lacunae but no evidence of abnormal uterus-bladder interface; PAS1, presence of at least two of placental lacunae, loss of the clear zone or bladder wall interruption; PAS2, PAS1 plus uterovescical hypervascularity; PAS3, PAS1 or PAS2 plus evidence of increased vascularity in the inferior part of the lower uterine segment potentially extending into the parametrial region. We explored whether this ultrasound staging system correlates with surgical outcome (estimated blood loss (EBL, mL), units of packed red blood cells (PRBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets (PLT) transfused, operation time (min), surgical complications defined as the occurrence of any damage to the bladder, ureters or bowel, length of hospital stay (days) and admission to intensive care unit (ICU)) and depth of placental invasion. The correlation between the present ultrasound staging system and the clinical grading system proposed by FIGO was assessed. Prenatal and surgical management were not based on the proposed prenatal ultrasound staging system. Linear and multiple regression models were used.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and fifty-nine women were included in the analysis. Mean EBL was 516 ± 151 mL in women with PAS0, 609 ± 146 mL in those with PAS1, 950 ± 190 mL in those with PAS2 and 1323 ± 533 mL in those with PAS3, and increased significantly with increasing severity of PAS ultrasound stage. Mean units of PRBC transfused were 0.05 ± 0.21 in PAS0, 0.10 ± 0.45 in PAS1, 1.19 ± 1.11 in PAS2 and 4.48 ± 2.06 in PAS3, and increased significantly with PAS stage. Similarly, there was a progressive increase in the mean units of FFP transfused from PAS1 to PAS3 (0.0 ± 0.0 in PAS1, 0.25 ± 1.0 in PAS2 and 3.63 ± 2.67 in PAS3). Women presenting with PAS3 on ultrasound had significantly more units of PLT transfused (2.37 ± 2.40) compared with those with PAS0 (0.03 ± 0.18), PAS1 (0.0 ± 0.0) or PAS2 (0.0 ± 0.0). Mean operation time was longer in women with PAS3 (184 ± 32 min) compared with those with PAS1 (153 ± 38 min) or PAS2 (161 ± 28 min). Similarly, women with PAS3 had longer hospital stay (7.4 ± 2.1 days) compared with those with PAS0 (3.4 ± 0.6 days), PAS1 (6.4 ± 1.3 days) or PAS2 (5.9 ± 0.8 days). On linear regression analysis, after adjusting for all potential confounders, higher PAS stage was associated independently with a significant increase in EBL (314 (95% CI, 230-399) mL per one-stage increase; P < 0.001), units of PRBC transfused (1.74 (95% CI, 1.33-2.15) per one-stage increase; P < 0.001), units of FFP transfused (1.19 (95% CI, 0.61-1.77) per one-stage increase; P < 0.001), units of PLT transfused (1.03 (95% CI, 0.59-1.47) per one-stage increase; P < 0.001), operation time (38.8 (95% CI, 31.6-46.1) min per one-stage increase; P < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (0.83 (95% CI, 0.46-1.27) days per one-stage increase; P < 0.001). On logistic regression analysis, increased severity of PAS was associated independently with surgical complications (odds ratio, 3.14 (95% CI, 1.36-7.25); P = 0.007), while only PAS3 was associated with admission to the ICU (P < 0.001). All women with PAS0 on ultrasound were classified as having Grade-1 PAS disorder according to the FIGO grading system. Conversely, of the women presenting with PAS1 on ultrasound, 64.1% (95% CI, 48.4-77.3%) were classified as having Grade-3, while 35.9% (95% CI, 22.7-51.6%) were classified as having Grade-4 PAS disorder, according to the FIGO grading system. All women with PAS2 were categorized as having Grade-5 and all those with PAS3 as having Grade-6 PAS disorder according to the FIGO system.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound staging of PAS disorders is feasible and correlates with surgical outcome, depth of invasion and the FIGO clinical grading system. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fetal abdominal cysts: antenatal course and postnatal outcomes

Background There is little information on which to base the prognostic counselling as to whether an antenatally diagnosed fetal abdominal cyst will grow or shrink, or need surgery. This study aims to provide contemporary data on prenatally diagnosed fetal abdominal cysts in relation to their course and postnatal outcomes. Methods Fetal abdominal cysts diagnosed over 11 years in a single centre were identified. The gestational age at diagnosis and cyst characteristics at each examination were recorded (size, location, echogenity, septation and vascularity) and follow-up data from postnatal visits were collected. Results Eighty abdominal cysts were identified antenatally at 28+4 weeks (range 11+0-38+3). Most (87%) were isolated and the majority were pelvic (52%), simple (87.5%) and avascular (100%). Antenatally, 29% resolved spontaneously; 29% reduced in size; 9% were stable and 33% increased in size. Forty-one percent of cysts under 20 mm diameter increased in size, while only 20% of cysts with a diameter of over 40 mm increased in size. The majority of cysts were ovarian in origin (n=45, 56%), followed by intestinal (n=15, 18%), choledochal (n=3, 4%), liver (n=2, 3%) and renal/adrenal origins (n=2, 3%), respectively. In 16% (n=13), the antenatal diagnosis was not obvious. Seventy-five percent of the cysts that persisted postnatally required surgical intervention. Conclusion Most antenatally diagnosed fetal abdominal cysts were ovarian in origin. Though most disappeared antenatally, nearly three quarters required surgical intervention when present after birth. Cysts of intestinal origin are more difficult to diagnose antenatally and often require surgery.

The controversial role of the ductus venosus in hypoxic human fetuses

The ductus venosus plays a critical role in circulatory adaptation to hypoxia in fetal growth restriction but the mechanisms still remain controversial. Increased shunting of blood through the ductus venosus under hypoxic conditions has been shown in animal and human studies. The hemodynamic laws governing the accelerated flow in this vessel suggest that any dilation at its isthmus, which increases the blood flow shunting to the heart, is associated with a low, absent or reversed a-wave and a high pulsatility index. Cardiac dysfunction associated with increased atrial pressure as well as reduced ventricular compliance might be predominant mechanisms determining the profile of ductus venosus velocity waveforms in severe fetal growth restriction with signs of hypoxic compromise. Understanding the pathophysiology of the ductus venosus will underpin translation of the hypotheses developed through biostatistics toward explaining with more confidence Doppler changes in the fetal circulation in predicting clinical outcomes.

The DESiGN trial (DEtection of Small for Gestational age Neonate), evaluating the effect of the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Stillbirth rates in the United Kingdom (UK) are amongst the highest of all developed nations. The association between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) foetuses and stillbirth is well established, and observational studies suggest that improved antenatal detection of SGA babies may halve the stillbirth rate. The Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) describes a complex intervention that includes risk assessment for SGA and screening using customised fundal-height growth charts. Increased detection of SGA from the use of GAP has been implicated in the reduction of stillbirth rates by 22%, in observational studies of UK regions where GAP uptake was high. This study will be the first randomised controlled trial examining the clinical efficacy, health economics and implementation of the GAP programme in the antenatal detection of SGA.

Methods/design

In this randomised controlled trial, clusters comprising a maternity unit (or National Health Service Trust) were randomised to either implementation of the GAP programme, or standard care. The primary outcome is the rate of antenatal ultrasound detection of SGA in infants found to be SGA at birth by both population and customised standards, as this is recognised as being the group with highest risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes include antenatal detection of SGA by population centiles, antenatal detection of SGA by customised centiles, short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes, resource use and economic consequences, and a process evaluation of GAP implementation. Qualitative interviews will be performed to assess facilitators and barriers to implementation of GAP.

Discussion

This study will be the first to provide data and outcomes from a randomised controlled trial investigating the potential difference between the GAP programme compared to standard care for antenatal ultrasound detection of SGA infants. Accurate information on the performance and service provision requirements of the GAP protocol has the potential to inform national policy decisions on methods to reduce the rate of stillbirth.

Trial registration

Primary registry and trial identifying number: ISRCTN 67698474. Registered on 2 November 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3242-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

How to obtain diagnostic planes of the fetal central nervous system using three-dimensional ultrasound and a context-preserving rendering technology

The antenatal evaluation of the fetal central nervous system (CNS) is among the most difficult tasks of prenatal ultrasound (US), requiring technical skills in relation to ultrasound and image acquisition as well as knowledge of CNS anatomy and how this changes with gestation. According to the International Guidelines for fetal neurosonology, the basic assessment of fetal CNS is most frequently performed on the axial planes, whereas the coronal and sagittal planes are required for the multiplanar evaluation of the CNS within the context of fetal neurosonology. It can be even more technically challenging to obtain "nonaxial" views with 2-dimensional (2D) US. The modality of 3-dimensional (3D) US has been suggested as a panacea to overcome the technical difficulties of achieving nonaxial views. The lack of familiarity of most sonologists with the use of 3D US and its related processing techniques may preclude its use even where it could play an important role in complementing antenatal 2D US assessment. Furthermore, once a 3D volume has been acquired, proprietary software allows it to be processed in different ways, leading to multiple ways of displaying and analyzing the same anatomical imaging or plane. These are difficult to learn and time consuming in the absence of specific training. In this article, we describe the key steps for volume acquisition of a 3D US volume, manipulation, and processing with reference to images of the fetal CNS, using a newly developed context-preserving rendering technique.

Palliative care consultation and aggressive care at end of life in unresectable pancreatic cancer

Background

Palliative care (pc) consultation has been associated with less aggressive care at end of life in a number of malignancies, but the effect of the consultation timing has not yet been fully characterized. For patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer (upcc), aggressive and resource-intensive treatment at the end of life can be costly, but not necessarily of better quality. In the present study, we investigated the association, if any, between the timing of specialist pc consultation and indicators of aggressive care at end of life in patients with upcc.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined the potential effect of the timing of specialist pc consultation on key indicators of aggressive care at end of life in all patients diagnosed with upcc in Nova Scotia between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. Statistical analysis included univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In the 365 patients identified for inclusion in the study, specialist pc consultation was found to be associated with decreased odds of experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life; however, the timing of the consultation was not significant. Residency in an urban area was associated with decreased odds of experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life. We observed no association between experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life and consultation with medical oncology or radiation oncology.

Conclusions

Regardless of timing, specialist pc consultation was associated with decreased odds of experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life. That finding provides further evidence to support the integral role of pc in managing patients with a life-limiting malignancy.

Time to delivery based on sonographic assessment prior to forceps and vacuum

Introduction

To compare the duration of vacuum and forceps delivery in relation to ultrasound assessment of fetal head position and station.

Methods

A prospective single-centre cohort study in nulliparous women at term with prolonged second stage of labour. Fetal head position was determined using transabdominal ultrasound and station as head-perineum distance (HPD) from transperineal ultrasound prior to an instrument. The primary outcome was duration of vacuum and forceps to vaginal delivery and was analysed as survival expressed by hazard ratio (HR). Secondary outcomes were delivery mode and immediate neonatal outcome.

Results

In the study population of 54 women, the primary instrument was vacuum for 36 and forceps for 18. Four women were delivered by Caesarean section. Estimated median duration for forceps deliveries was 5 min (95% CI 4.0-6.0) vs. 9 min (95% CI 7.3-10.6) for vacuum deliveries (P = 0.17; Log-rank test). The HR for vaginal delivery was 2.02 (95% CI 1.04-3.91, P = 0.038) after adjusting for HPD, maternal age and BMI. OP position had minor influence on the primary outcome (HR changed from 2.02 to 2.08). The first instrument failed in 11/31 (35.5%) where HPD > 35 mm vs. 2/21 (9.5%) where HPD ≤ 35 mm (P < 0.05). There were no cases of Apgar score <7 at 5 min or umbilical artery pH < 7.1.

Conclusion

In prolonged second stage, delivery with forceps was achieved more quickly than by vacuum when matched for ultrasound determined head station. Irrespective of which was the primary instrument, the failure rate was greater at higher head stations.

Performance of computerized cardiotocography-based short-term variation in late-onset small-for-gestational-age fetuses and reference ranges for the late third trimester

PURPOSE

Fetal Doppler changes are well characterized in early-onset small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) but less well characterized where the condition is late-onset. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of computerized CTG (cCTG)-based short-term variation (STV) in late-onset SGA and FGR as an additional monitoring modality and to establish STV reference ranges in late third trimester healthy pregnancies.

METHODS

Of 86 late-onset SGA fetuses diagnosed after 32 weeks, 66 were diagnosed with FGR. 138 healthy pregnancies acted as controls. All underwent umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), middle cerebral artery PI, cerebroplacental ratio and mean uterine artery PI. cCTG recordings were analyzed by Sonicaid FetalCare software for STV calculation as described by Dawes/Redman.

RESULTS

Median interval between inclusion and delivery was 13 (interquantile range = 4-30) days in the FGR group, 22 (12-37) days in the SGA group and 25 (10-40) days in the control group. STV was not different between controls (11.2 ms, 9.7-13.1), late-onset SGA (11.2 ms, 8.1-12.6) and FGR (10.5 ms, 8.5-12.4) fetuses. A greater proportion of late-onset SGA fetuses had STV < 5th percentile (7/86) compared to controls (4/138) (8.1% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.077). In the control group a significant positive correlation was seen between STV, and 1-min (ρ = 0.195, p = 0.026), 5-min (ρ = 0.247, p = 0.004) and 10-min (ρ = 0.211, p = 0.014) Apgar values.

CONCLUSIONS

We report no significant difference in STV median values between controls, SGA and FGR pregnancies. However, more SGA fetuses had a low STV compared to controls. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to investigate if low STV is a useful surveillance method for late-onset FGR.

The Brain Shadowing Sign: A Clue Finding for Early Suspicion of Craniosynostosis?

Antenatal imaging of craniosynostosis mainly relies on the demonstration with 2D ultrasound of the abnormal contour of the calvarium and of the loss of hypoechogenicity of the synostotic sutures and on indirect signs of premature closure of the skull sutures; however, isolated craniosynostosis is detected only sporadically at prenatal ultrasound. In this article, we present the first case to our knowledge in which the "brain shadowing sign," a recently described indirect sign of craniosynostosis, noted at 24 weeks in a structurally normal fetus, was the first clue for the diagnosis of isolated bilateral coronal craniosynostosis, which became evident at late gestation.

ISUOG Practice Guidelines: intrapartum ultrasound

The purpose of these Guidelines is to review the published techniques of ultrasound in labor and their practical applications, to summarize the level of evidence regarding the use of ultrasound in labor and to provide guidance to practitioners on when ultrasound in labor is clinically indicated and how the sonographic findings may affect labor management. We do not imply or suggest that ultrasound in labor is a necessary standard of care.

Outcome in early-onset fetal growth restriction is best combining computerized fetal heart rate analysis with ductus venosus Doppler: insights from the Trial of Umbilical and Fetal Flow in Europe

BACKGROUND

Early-onset fetal growth restriction represents a particular dilemma in clinical management balancing the risk of iatrogenic prematurity with waiting for the fetus to gain more maturity, while being exposed to the risk of intrauterine death or the sequelae of acidosis.

OBJECTIVE

The Trial of Umbilical and Fetal Flow in Europe was a European, multicenter, randomized trial aimed to determine according to which criteria delivery should be triggered in early fetal growth restriction. We present the key findings of the primary and secondary analyses.

STUDY DESIGN

Women with fetal abdominal circumference <10th percentile and umbilical pulsatility index >95th percentile between 26-32 weeks were randomized to 1 of 3 monitoring and delivery protocols. These were: fetal heart rate variability based on computerized cardiotocography; and early or late ductus venosus Doppler changes. A safety net based on fetal heart rate abnormalities or umbilical Doppler changes mandated delivery irrespective of randomized group. The primary outcome was normal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years.

RESULTS

Among 511 women randomized, 362/503 (72%) had associated hypertensive conditions. In all, 463/503 (92%) of fetuses survived and cerebral palsy occurred in 6/443 (1%) with known outcome. Among all women there was no difference in outcome based on randomized group; however, of survivors, significantly more fetuses randomized to the late ductus venosus group had a normal outcome (133/144; 95%) than those randomized to computerized cardiotocography alone (111/131; 85%). In 118/310 (38%) of babies delivered <32 weeks, the indication was safety-net criteria: 55/106 (52%) in late ductus venosus, 37/99 (37%) in early ductus venosus, and 26/105 (25%) in computerized cardiotocography groups. Higher middle cerebral artery impedance adjusted for gestation was associated with neonatal survival without severe morbidity (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.52) and infant survival without neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.72) although birthweight and gestational age were more important determinants.

CONCLUSION

Perinatal and 2-year outcome was better than expected in all randomized groups. Among survivors, 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome was best in those randomized to delivery based on late ductus venosus changes. Given a high rate of delivery based on the safety-net criteria, deciding delivery based on late ductus venosus changes and abnormal computerized fetal heart rate variability seems prudent. There is no rationale for delivery based on cerebral Doppler changes alone. Of note, most women with early-onset fetal growth restriction develop hypertension.

Assessment of arterial function in pregnancy: recommendations of the International Working Group on Maternal Hemodynamics

There is strong evidence supporting the role of maternal arterial dysfunction in pregnancy-specific disorders such as pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. As more work is focused towards this field, it is important that methods and interpretation of arterial function assessment are applied appropriately. Here, we summarize techniques and devices commonly used in maternal health studies, with consideration of their technical application in pregnant cohorts. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal rates of lipolysis and glucose production in late pregnancy are independently related to foetal weight

OBJECTIVE

Associations between maternal glucose levels and increased foetal growth are well established, and independent relationships with maternal weight, weight gain and insulin resistance are also observed. The relative roles of lipolysis and glucose production in the determination of these observations remain unclear.

DESIGN

We examined, through detailed physiological studies, the relationship between maternal late gestational energy substrate production (glucose and glycerol), maternal weight and weight gain, and estimated foetal size in the third trimester.

PATIENTS

Twenty-one nulliparous pregnant women, without gestational diabetes (GDM) assessed at 28 weeks with oral glucose tolerance test, were recruited.

MEASUREMENTS

Rates of hepatic glucose production (GPR) and rates of glycerol production (reflecting lipolysis) using [¹³ C₆ ]-glucose and [² H₅ ]-glycerol were measured at 34-36 weeks of gestation. Respiratory quotient was assessed by indirect calorimetry and body composition by measurements of total body water (TBW; H₂¹⁸ O) and body density (BODPOD). Foetal weight was estimated from ultrasound measures of biparietal diameter, femoral length and abdominal circumference.

RESULTS

At 34-36 weeks, bivariate analyses showed that GPR and lipolysis correlated with estimated foetal weight (r=.71 and .72, respectively) as well as with maternal weight, fat mass and fat-free mass, but not maternal weight gain. In multivariate analyses, rates of both glucose production (r=.42) and lipolysis (r=.47) were independently associated with foetal size explaining 63% of the variance.

CONCLUSIONS

Both maternal rates of lipolysis and hepatic glucose production in late gestation are strongly related to estimated foetal weight.

Relevance of Haemodynamics in Treating Pre-eclampsia

Blood pressure is a way of describing the end result of changes in cardiac output, intravascular volume and peripheral resistance. It has certain advantages in that it is a reproducible and easily measured parameter, but in itself, it offers only a limited understanding of the underlying haemodynamics. In pregnancy, profound haemodynamic changes occur and in hypertensive diseases of pregnancy defining a condition by blood pressure alone risks missing the underlying cause. Partly, this has been a problem of ascribing the cause of hypertensive syndromes to the placenta which has inhibited rigorous research into other possible causes of haemodynamic dysfunction. It is becoming increasingly evident that hypertension in pregnancy may be associated with primarily high cardiac output or high peripheral resistance. A knowledge of the underlying type of hypertension may allow more rational treatment of these conditions in pregnancy rather than therapeutic attempts at controlling blood pressure by any means possible as an end in itself.

Is middle cerebral artery Doppler related to neonatal and 2-year infant outcome in early fetal growth restriction?

BACKGROUND

Reduced fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler impedance is associated with hypoxemia in fetal growth restriction. It remains unclear as to whether this finding could be useful in timing delivery, especially in the third trimester. In this regard there is a paucity of evidence from prospective studies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between middle cerebral artery Doppler impedance and its ratio with the umbilical artery in relation to neonatal and 2 year infant outcome in early fetal growth restriction (26⁺⁰-31⁺⁶ weeks of gestation). Additionally we sought to explore which ratio is more informative for clinical use.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary analysis from the Trial of Randomized Umbilical and Fetal Flow in Europe, a prospective, multicenter, randomized management study on different antenatal monitoring strategies (ductus venosus Doppler changes and computerized cardiotocography short-term variation) in fetal growth restriction diagnosed between 26⁺⁰ and 31⁺⁶ weeks. We analyzed women with middle cerebral artery Doppler measurement at study entry and within 1 week before delivery and with complete postnatal follow-up (374 of 503). The primary outcome was survival without neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years corrected for prematurity. Neonatal outcome was defined as survival until first discharge home without severe neonatal morbidity. Z-scores were calculated for middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and both umbilicocerebral and cerebroplacental ratios. Odds ratios of Doppler parameter Z-scores for neonatal and 2 year infant outcome were calculated by multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for gestational age and birthweight p50 ratio.

RESULTS

Higher middle cerebral artery pulsatility index at inclusion but not within 1 week before delivery was associated with neonatal survival without severe morbidity (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.52). Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index Z-score and umbilicocerebral ratio Z-score at inclusion were associated with 2 year survival with normal neurodevelopmental outcome (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.72, and odds ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-0.99, respectively) as were gestation at delivery and birthweight p50 ratio (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.66, and odds ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.60, respectively). When comparing cerebroplacental ratio against umbilicocerebral ratio, the incremental range of the cerebroplacental ratio tended toward zero, whereas the umbilicocerebral ratio tended toward infinity as the values became more abnormal.

CONCLUSION

In a monitoring protocol based on ductus venosus and cardiotocography in early fetal growth restriction (26⁺⁰-31⁺⁶ weeks of gestation), the impact of middle cerebral artery Doppler and its ratios on outcome is modest and less marked than birthweight and delivery gestation. It is unlikely that middle cerebral artery Doppler and its ratios are informative in optimizing the timing of delivery in fetal growth restriction before 32 weeks of gestation. The umbilicocerebral ratio allows for a better differentiation in the abnormal range than the cerebroplacental ratio.