1
|
Martínez-Varea A, Prasad S, Domenech J, Kalafat E, Morales-Roselló J, Khalil A. Association between fetal growth restriction and stillbirth in twin compared with singleton pregnancies. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 64:513-520. [PMID: 38642338 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Twin pregnancies are at higher risk of stillbirth compared to singletons. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of perinatal mortality, but its impact on twins vs singletons remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association of FGR and small-for-gestational age (SGA) with stillbirth in twin compared with singleton pregnancies. A secondary objective was to assess these associations stratified by gestational age at delivery. Furthermore, we aimed to compare the associations of FGR and SGA with stillbirth in twin pregnancies using twin-specific vs singleton birth-weight charts, stratified by chorionicity. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of pregnancies receiving obstetric care and giving birth between 1999 and 2022 at St George's Hospital, London, UK. The exclusion criteria included triplet and higher-order pregnancies, those resulting in miscarriage or live birth at ≤ 23 + 6 weeks, termination of pregnancy and missing data regarding birth weight or gestational age at birth. Birth-weight data were collected and FGR and SGA were defined as birth weight <5th and <10th centiles, respectively. While standard logistic regression was used for singleton pregnancies, the association of FGR and SGA with stillbirth in twin pregnancies was investigated using mixed-effects logistic regression models. For twin pregnancies, intercepts were allowed to vary for twin pairs to account for intertwin dependency. Analyses were stratified by gestational age at delivery and chorionicity. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.001. RESULTS The study included 95 342 singleton and 3576 twin pregnancies. There were 494 (0.52%) stillbirths in singleton and 41 (1.15%) stillbirths in twin pregnancies (17 dichorionic and 24 monochorionic). SGA and FGR were associated significantly with stillbirth in singleton pregnancies across all gestational ages at delivery: the odds ratios (ORs) for SGA and FGR were 2.36 ((95% CI, 1.78-3.13), P < 0.001) and 2.67 ((95% CI, 2.02-3.55), P < 0.001), respectively, for delivery before 32 weeks; 2.70 ((95% CI, 1.71-4.31), P < 0.001) and 2.82 ((95% CI, 1.78-4.47), P < 0.001), respectively, for delivery between 32 and 36 weeks; and 3.85 ((95% CI, 2.83-5.21), P < 0.001) and 4.43 ((95% CI, 3.16-6.12), P < 0.001), respectively, for delivery after 36 weeks. In twin pregnancies, when stratified by gestational age at delivery, both SGA and FGR determined by twin-specific birth-weight charts were associated with increased odds of stillbirth for those delivered before 32 weeks (SGA: OR, 3.87 (95% CI, 1.56-9.50), P = 0.003 and FGR: OR, 5.26 (95% CI, 2.11-13.01), P = 0.001), those delivered between 32 and 36 weeks (SGA: OR, 6.67 (95% CI, 2.11-20.41), P = 0.001 and FGR: OR, 9.54 (95% CI, 3.01-29.40), P < 0.001) and those delivered beyond 36 weeks (SGA: OR, 12.68 (95% CI, 2.47-58.15), P = 0.001 and FGR: OR, 23.84 (95% CI, 4.62-110.25), P < 0.001). However, the association of stillbirth with SGA and FGR in twin pregnancies was non-significant when diagnosis was based on singleton charts (before 32 weeks: SGA, P = 0.014 and FGR, P = 0.005; 32-36 weeks: SGA, P = 0.036 and FGR, P = 0.008; after 36 weeks: SGA, P = 0.080 and FGR, P = 0.063). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that SGA and, especially, FGR are associated significantly with an increased risk of stillbirth across all gestational ages in singleton pregnancies, and in twin pregnancies when twin-specific birth-weight charts are used. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Martínez-Varea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - S Prasad
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
| | - J Domenech
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - E Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - J Morales-Roselló
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Twin and Multiple Pregnancy Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence, St George's University Hospital, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
DeVore GR, Polanco B. Fetuses with deceleration of growth improve their growth following maternal rest. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2024. [PMID: 39291621 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine if fetuses with deceleration of growth velocity resulting in an EFW <10th percentile increase their growth above the 10th percentile following 2 weeks of maternal rest in the left lateral recumbent position. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study of 265 fetuses with the prenatal diagnosis of an EFW <10th percentile. Fetuses were classified by four definitions of abnormal growth velocity: (1) a growth velocity less than 20 g/day, (2) 30 percentile decrease in the EFW, (3) 50 percentile decrease in the EFW, and (4) abnormal growth trajectory. Once the fetuses were identified with an EFW <10th percentile the patient was requested to begin 2 weeks of rest in the left lateral recumbent position during her waking hours following which the EFW was reassessed 2 week later to determine the effect of maternal rest on the EFW. RESULTS Irrespective of the four types of decreased growth velocity described in the methods section, there was as significant increase (p < 0.001) in the EFW following 2 weeks of maternal rest as follows: (1) growth less than 20 g/day (75%); (2) decrease of 30 or more EFW percentiles (79%); (3) decrease of 50 or more EFW percentiles (64%); and abnormal growth trajectory (77%). CONCLUSIONS This suggests an important role of increased maternal cardiac output as the result of resting in the left lateral recumbent position that may be associated with improved fetal growth. These observations should be the basis for future prospective randomized trials to test this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greggory R DeVore
- Fetal Diagnostic Centers, Pasadena, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Catalano R, Stolte A, Casey J, Gemmill A, Lee H, Bustos B, Bruckner T. Vanishing twins, spared cohorts, and the birthweight of periviable infants born to Black and white women in the United States. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado6691. [PMID: 39241072 PMCID: PMC11378913 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancies ending before 26 weeks contribute 1% of births but 40% of infant deaths in the United States. The rate of these "periviable" births to non-Hispanic (NH) Black women exceeds four times that for NH whites. Small male periviable infants remain most likely to die. NH white periviable males weigh more than their NH Black counterparts. We argue that male infants born from twin gestations, in which one fetus died in utero (i.e., the vanishing twin syndrome), contribute to the disparity. We cannot directly test our argument because "vanishing" typically occurs before clinical recognition of pregnancy. We, however, describe and find associations that would emerge in vital statistics were our argument correct. Among male periviable singleton births from 288 monthly conception cohorts (January 1995 through December 2018), we found an average NH white advantage of 30 grams (759 grams versus 729 grams). Consistent with our argument, however, cohorts signaling relatively few survivors of the vanishing twin syndrome showed no disparity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Catalano
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Allison Stolte
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joan Casey
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alison Gemmill
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hedwig Lee
- Department of Sociology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brenda Bustos
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tim Bruckner
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Population, Inequality, and Policy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ovadia M, Gluska H, Cohen G, Schreiber H, Biron-Shental T, Kovo M, Shechter-Maor G. Does decreased fetal growth estimation in the appropriate for gestational age range affect delivery outcomes? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:1461-1465. [PMID: 38411630 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07432-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the effect of decreased estimated fetal weight (EFW) percentiles in appropriate for gestational age fetuses. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included women who had second and third trimester ultrasound examinations. Delivery and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with decreased EFW of ≥ 30 percentiles in EFW between ultrasound examinations (decreased growth group) and those without such a decrease (control group) were compared. Deliveries with EFW or birthweight below the 10th percentile were excluded. RESULTS Among 1610 deliveries, 57 were in the decreased growth group and 1553 in the control group. Maternal characteristics did not differ between the groups except for higher rate of nulliparity in the decreased growth group. We found similar rates of Category II/III monitoring, cesarean deliveries due to non-reassuring fetal heart rate and adverse neonatal outcomes. Neonatal birthweight was lower in the decreased growth group as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS This study did not find association between the group of appropriate for gestational age fetuses with decreased growth, with adverse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Ovadia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Hadar Gluska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Gal Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Hanoch Schreiber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Tal Biron-Shental
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Gil Shechter-Maor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Affiliated with School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hugh O, Cowan J, Butler E, Gardosi J. Fetal size vs growth: comparative analysis of 3 models of growth velocity based on third trimester estimated fetal weights for identifying stillbirth risk. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 231:336.e1-336.e11. [PMID: 38151221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth velocity is being recognized as an important parameter by which to monitor fetal wellbeing, in addition to assessment of fetal size. However, there are different models and standards in use by which velocity is being assessed. OBJECTIVE We wanted to investigate 3 clinically applied methods of assessing growth velocity and their ability to identify stillbirth risk, in addition to that associated with small for gestational age. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded routine-care data of pregnancies with 2 or more third trimester scans in New Zealand. Results of the last 2 scans were used for the analysis. The models investigated to define slow growth were (1) 50+ centile drop between measurements, (2) 30+ centile drop, and (3) estimated fetal weight below a projected optimal weight range, based on predefined, scan interval specific cut-offs to define normal growth. Each method's ability to identify stillbirth risk was assessed against that associated with small-for-gestational age at last scan. RESULTS The study cohort consisted of 71,576 pregnancies. The last 2 scans in each pregnancy were performed at an average of 32+1 and 35+6 weeks of gestation. The 3 models defined "slow growth" at the following differing rates: (1) 50-centile drop 0.9%, (2) 30-centile drop 5.1%, and (3) below projected optimal weight range 10.8%. Neither of the centile-based models identified at-risk cases that were not also small for gestational age at last scan. The projected weight range method identified an additional 79% of non-small-for-gestational-age cases as slow growth, and these were associated with a significantly increased stillbirth risk (relative risk, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4). CONCLUSION Centile-based methods fail to reflect adequacy of fetal weight gain at the extremes of the distribution. Guidelines endorsing such models might hinder the potential benefits of antenatal assessment of fetal growth velocity. A new, measurement-interval-specific projection model of expected fetal weight gain can identify fetuses that are not small for gestational age, yet at risk of stillbirth because of slow growth. The velocity between scans can be calculated using a freely available growth rate calculator (www.perinatal.org.uk/growthrate).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Hugh
- Perinatal Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joyce Cowan
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Orzeł A, Strojny AA, Filipecka-Tyczka D, Baran A, Muzyka-Placzynska K, Mabiala E, Pajutrek-Dudek J, Scholz A. Fetal Growth Velocity-A Breakthrough in Intrauterine Growth Assessment? J Clin Med 2024; 13:3842. [PMID: 38999408 PMCID: PMC11242467 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The pursuit of assessing fetal well-being in obstetrical practice remains a central tenet, propelling ongoing endeavors to explore innovative markers and diagnostic methodologies aimed at prognosing potential perinatal adversities. Deviations from standard patterns of intrauterine growth, whether exhibiting excessive or insufficient trajectories, stand as pivotal indices hinting at underlying pathophysiological processes or heightened concurrent medical conditions. Initiatives like the Delphi consensus and the INTERGROWTH-21st project strive to refine diagnostic criteria and establish international standards for fetal growth assessment. This article aims to present the current knowledge regarding the assessment of abnormal growth, including novel methods such as growth velocity. Integrating fetal growth velocity assessment into perinatal care protocols holds promise in enhancing diagnostic precision. Growth velocity, involving changes in fetal size over a given period, offers insights into distinguishing between constitutional and pathological growth abnormalities. Various methodologies and models have been proposed to evaluate growth velocity, with notable advancements in understanding fetal growth patterns across different trimesters. It is believed that accelerated and reduced growth velocity may be a sensible parameter in the detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses, large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetuses and macrosomic fetuses as well as appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) fetuses that encounter problems with growth continuation. Recent studies found that changes in growth velocity reflect the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). Future directions in fetal health research aim to elucidate the long-term consequences of abnormal fetal growth velocity on neurodevelopmental outcomes, highlighting the critical role of early assessment and intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Orzeł
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (A.A.S.); (A.B.); (K.M.-P.); (E.M.); (J.P.-D.)
| | - Agnieszka Aleksandra Strojny
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (A.A.S.); (A.B.); (K.M.-P.); (E.M.); (J.P.-D.)
| | | | - Arkadiusz Baran
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (A.A.S.); (A.B.); (K.M.-P.); (E.M.); (J.P.-D.)
| | - Katarzyna Muzyka-Placzynska
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (A.A.S.); (A.B.); (K.M.-P.); (E.M.); (J.P.-D.)
| | - Ewelina Mabiala
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (A.A.S.); (A.B.); (K.M.-P.); (E.M.); (J.P.-D.)
| | - Justyna Pajutrek-Dudek
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (A.A.S.); (A.B.); (K.M.-P.); (E.M.); (J.P.-D.)
| | - Anna Scholz
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.O.); (A.A.S.); (A.B.); (K.M.-P.); (E.M.); (J.P.-D.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Larsen ML, Krebs L, Hoei-Hansen CE, Kumar S. Assessment of fetal growth trajectory identifies infants at high risk of perinatal mortality. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:764-771. [PMID: 38339783 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze perinatal risks associated with three distinct scenarios of fetal growth trajectory in the latter half of pregnancy compared with a reference group. METHODS This cohort study included women with a singleton pregnancy that delivered between 32 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks' gestation and had two or more ultrasound scans, at least 4 weeks apart, from 18 + 0 weeks. We evaluated three different scenarios of fetal growth against a reference group, which comprised appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses with appropriate forward-growth trajectory. The comparator growth trajectories were categorized as: Group 1, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses (estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) persistently < 10th centile) with appropriate forward growth; Group 2, fetuses with decreased growth trajectory (decrease of ≥ 50 centiles) and EFW or AC ≥ 10th centile (i.e. non-SGA) at their final ultrasound scan; and Group 3, fetuses with decreased growth trajectory and EFW or AC < 10th centile (i.e. SGA) at their final scan. The primary outcome was overall perinatal mortality (stillbirth or neonatal death). Secondary outcomes included stillbirth, delivery of a SGA infant, preterm birth, emergency Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status and composite severe neonatal morbidity. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS The final study cohort comprised 5319 pregnancies. Compared to the reference group, the adjusted odds of perinatal mortality were increased significantly in Group 2 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 4.00 (95% CI, 1.36-11.22)) and Group 3 (aOR, 7.71 (95% CI, 2.39-24.91)). Only Group 3 had increased odds of stillbirth (aOR, 5.69 (95% CI, 1.55-20.93)). In contrast, infants in Group 1 did not have significantly increased odds of demise. The odds of a SGA infant at birth were increased in all three groups compared with the reference group, but was highest in Group 1 (aOR, 111.86 (95% CI, 62.58-199.95)) and Group 3 (aOR, 40.63 (95% CI, 29.01-56.92)). In both groups, more than 80% of infants were born SGA and nearly half had a birth weight < 3rd centile. Likewise, the odds of preterm birth were increased in all three groups compared with the reference group, being highest in Group 3, with an aOR of 4.27 (95% CI, 3.23-5.64). Lastly, the odds of composite severe neonatal morbidity were increased in Groups 1 and 3, whereas the odds of emergency Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status were increased only in Group 3. CONCLUSION Assessing the fetal growth trajectory in the latter half of pregnancy can help identify infants at increased risk of perinatal mortality and birth weight < 3rd centile for gestation. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M L Larsen
- Center for Cerebral Palsy, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - L Krebs
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C E Hoei-Hansen
- Center for Cerebral Palsy, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Mater Mother's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
DeVore GR, Polanco B, Lee W, Fowlkes JB, Peek EE, Putra M, Hobbins JC. Maternal rest improves growth in small-for-gestational-age fetuses (<10th percentile). Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00530-1. [PMID: 38842845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal management of fetuses diagnosed as small for gestational age based on an estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile represents a major clinical problem. The standard approach is to increase fetal surveillance with serial biometry and antepartum testing to assess fetal well-being and timing of delivery. Observational studies have indicated that maternal rest in the left lateral position improves maternal cardiac output and uterine blood flow. However, maternal bed rest has not been recommended based on the results of a randomized clinical trial that showed that maternal rest does not improve fetal growth in small-for-gestational-age fetuses. This study was conducted to revisit this question. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether maternal bed rest was associated with an increase in the fetal biometric parameters that reflect growth after the diagnosis of a small-for-gestational-age fetus. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study was conducted on fetuses who were diagnosed as small for gestational age because of an estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile for gestational age. The mothers were asked to rest in the left lateral recumbent position. Fetal biometry was performed 2 weeks after the diagnosis. All fetuses before entry into the study had a previous ultrasound that demonstrated an estimated fetal weight of >10th percentile. To assess the response to bed rest, the change in fetal biometric parameters (estimated fetal weight, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length) after the recommendation of bed rest was computed for 2 periods: (1) before the diagnosis of a weight of <10th percentile vs at the time of diagnosis of a weight of <10th percentile and (2) at the time of diagnosis of a weight of <10th percentile vs 2 weeks after maternal bed rest. For repeated measures, proportions were compared using the McNemar test, and percentile values were compared using the Bonferroni Multiple Comparison Test. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. To describe changes in the estimated fetal weight without bed rest, 2 control groups in which the mothers were not placed on bed rest after the diagnosis of a small-for-gestational-age fetus were included. RESULTS A total of 265 fetuses were observed before and after maternal bed rest. The following were observed in this study: (1) after 2 weeks of maternal rest, 199 of 265 fetuses (75%) had a fetal weight of >10th percentile; (2) the median fetal weight percentile increased from 6.8 (interquartile range, 4.4-8.4) to 18.0 (interquartile range, 9.5-29.5) after 2 weeks of bed rest; (3) similar trends were noted for the head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. In the groups of patients who were not asked to be on bed rest, a reassignment to a weight of >10th percentile at a follow-up examination only occurred in 7 of 37 patients (19%) in the Texas-Michigan group and 13 of 111 patients (12%) in the Colorado group compared with the bed rest group (199/265 [75%]) (P<.001). CONCLUSION Patients who were prescribed 2 weeks of bed rest after the diagnosis of a fetal weight of <10th percentile had an increase in weight of >10th percentile in 199 of 265 fetuses (75%). This increase in fetal weight was significantly higher than that in the 2 control groups in which bed rest was not prescribed. This observation suggests that bed rest improves fetal growth in a subset of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greggory R DeVore
- Fetal Diagnostic Centers, Pasadena, Tarzana, and Lancaster, CA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
| | - Bardo Polanco
- Fetal Diagnostic Centers, Pasadena, Tarzana, and Lancaster, CA
| | - Wesley Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jeffrey Brian Fowlkes
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Emma E Peek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Manesha Putra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - John C Hobbins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Caradeux J, Martínez-Portilla RJ, Martínez-Egea J, Ávila F, Figueras F. Routine third-trimester ultrasound assessment for intrauterine growth restriction. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2024; 6:101294. [PMID: 38281581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction significantly impacts perinatal outcomes. Undetected IUGR escalates the risk of adverse outcomes. Serial symphysis-fundal height measurement, a recommended strategy, is insufficient in detecting abnormal fetal growth. Routine third-trimester ultrasounds significantly improve detection rates compared with this approach, but direct high-quality evidence supporting enhanced perinatal outcomes from routine scanning is lacking. In assessing fetal growth, abdominal circumference alone performs comparably to estimated fetal weight. Hadlock formulas demonstrate accurate fetal weight estimation across diverse gestational ages and settings. When choosing growth charts, prescriptive standards (encompassing healthy pregnancies) should be prioritized over descriptive ones. Customized fetal standards may enhance antenatal IUGR detection, but conclusive high-quality evidence is elusive. Emerging observational data suggest that longitudinal fetal growth assessment could predict adverse outcomes better. However, direct randomized trial evidence supporting this remains insufficient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caradeux
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clínica Santa María, Santiago, Chile (Drs Caradeux and Ávila)
| | - Raigam J Martínez-Portilla
- Clinical Research Branch, Evidence-Based Medicine Department, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico (Dr Martínez-Portilla)
| | - Judit Martínez-Egea
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Instituto Clínic de Ginecología, Obstetricia i Neonatología, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Martínez-Egea and Figueras)
| | - Francisco Ávila
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clínica Santa María, Santiago, Chile (Drs Caradeux and Ávila)
| | - Francesc Figueras
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Instituto Clínic de Ginecología, Obstetricia i Neonatología, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Martínez-Egea and Figueras).
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Triggs T, Crawford K, Hong J, Clifton V, Kumar S. The influence of birthweight on mortality and severe neonatal morbidity in late preterm and term infants: an Australian cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 45:101054. [PMID: 38590781 PMCID: PMC10999727 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to detail incidence rates and relative risks for severe adverse perinatal outcomes by birthweight centile categories in a large Australian cohort of late preterm and term infants. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton infants (≥34+0 weeks gestation) between 2000 and 2018 in Queensland, Australia. Study outcomes were perinatal mortality, severe neurological morbidity, and other severe morbidity. Categorical outcomes were compared using Chi-squared tests. Continuous outcomes were compared using t-tests. Multinomial logistic regression investigated the effect of birthweight centile on study outcomes. Findings The final cohort comprised 991,042 infants. Perinatal mortality occurred in 1944 infants (0.19%). The incidence and risk of perinatal mortality increased as birthweight decreased, peaking for infants <1st centile (perinatal mortality rate 13.2/1000 births, adjusted Relative Risk Ratio (aRRR) of 12.96 (95% CI 10.14, 16.57) for stillbirth and aRRR 7.55 (95% CI 3.78, 15.08) for neonatal death). Severe neurological morbidity occurred in 7311 infants (0.74%), with the highest rate (19.6/1000 live births) in <1st centile cohort. There were 75,243 cases of severe morbidity (7.59% livebirths), with the peak incidence occurring in the <1st centile category (12.3% livebirths). The majority of adverse outcomes occurred in infants with birthweights between 10 and 90th centile. Almost 2 in 3 stillbirths, and approximately 3 in 4 cases of neonatal death, severe neurological morbidity or other severe morbidity occurred within this birthweight range. Interpretation Although the incidence and risk of perinatal mortality, severe neurological morbidity and severe morbidity increased at the extremes of birthweight centiles, the majority of these outcomes occurred in infants that were apparently "appropriately grown" (i.e., birthweight 10th-90th centile). Funding National Health and Medical Research Council, Mater Foundation, Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Women's Health Foundation - Norman Beischer Clinical Research Scholarship, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, University of Queensland Research Scholarship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tegan Triggs
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kylie Crawford
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jesrine Hong
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vicki Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gardosi J, Hugh O. Outcome-based comparative analysis of five fetal growth velocity models to define slow growth. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:805-812. [PMID: 37191400 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal growth surveillance includes assessment of size as well as rate of growth, and various definitions for slow growth have been adopted into clinical use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different models to identify stillbirth risk, in addition to risk represented by the fetus being small-for-gestational age (SGA). METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of a routinely collected and anonymized dataset of pregnancies that had two or more third-trimester ultrasound measurements of estimated fetal weight (EFW). SGA was defined as EFW < 10th customized centile, and slow growth was defined according to five published models in clinical use: (1) a fixed velocity limit of 20 g per day (FVL20 ); (2) a fixed > 50 centile drop, regardless of scan-measurement interval (FCD50 ); (3) a fixed > 30 centile drop, regardless of scan interval (FCD30 ); (4) growth trajectory slower than the third customized growth-centile limit (GCL3 ); and (5) EFW at second scan below the projected optimal weight range (POWR), based on partial receiver-operating-characteristics-curve-derived cut-offs specific to the scan interval. RESULTS The study cohort consisted of 164 718 pregnancies with 480 592 third-trimester ultrasound scans (mean ± SD, 2.9 ± 0.9). The last two scans in each pregnancy were performed at an average gestational age of 33 + 5 and 37 + 1 weeks. At the last scan, 12 858 (7.8%) EFWs were SGA, and of these, 9359 were also SGA at birth (positive predictive value, 72.8%). The rate at which slow growth was defined varied considerably (FVL20 , 12.7%; FCD50 , 0.7%; FCD30 , 4.6%; GCL3 , 19.8%; POWR, 10.1%), and there was varying overlap between cases identified as having slow growth and those identified as SGA at the last scan. Only the POWR method identified additional non-SGA pregnancies with slow growth (11 237/16 671 (67.4%)) that had significant stillbirth risk (relative risk, 1.58 (95% CI, 1.04-2.39)). These non-SGA cases resulting in stillbirth had a median EFW centile of 52.6 at the last scan and a median weight centile of 27.3 at birth. Subgroup analysis identified methodological problems with the fixed-velocity model because it assumes linear growth throughout gestation, and with the centile-based methods because the non-parametric distribution of centiles at the extremes does not reflect actual difference in weight gain. CONCLUSION Comparative analysis of five clinically used methods to define slow fetal growth has shown that only the measurement-interval-specific POWR model can identify non-SGA fetuses with slow growth that are at increased risk of stillbirth. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - O Hugh
- Perinatal Institute, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Juusela A, Jung E, Gallo DM, Bosco M, Suksai M, Diaz-Primera R, Tarca AL, Than NG, Gotsch F, Romero R, Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa. Maternal plasma syndecan-1: a biomarker for fetal growth restriction. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2150074. [PMID: 36597808 PMCID: PMC10291740 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2022.2150074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The identification of fetal growth disorders is an important clinical priority given that they increase the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality as well as long-term diseases. A subset of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants are growth-restricted, and this condition is often attributed to placental insufficiency. Syndecan-1, a product of the degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx, has been proposed as a biomarker of endothelial damage in different pathologies. During pregnancy, a "specialized" form of the glycocalyx-the "syncytiotrophoblast glycocalyx"-covers the placental villi. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the concentration of maternal plasma syndecan-1 can be proposed as a biomarker for fetal growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was designed to include women with normal pregnancy (n = 130) and pregnant women who delivered an SGA neonate (n = 50). Doppler velocimetry of the uterine and umbilical arteries was performed in women with an SGA fetus at the time of diagnosis. Venipuncture was performed within 48 h of Doppler velocimetry and plasma concentrations of syndecan-1 were determined by a specific and sensitive immunoassay. RESULTS (1) Plasma syndecan-1 concentration followed a nonlinear increase with gestational age in uncomplicated pregnancies (R2 = 0.27, p < .001); (2) women with a pregnancy complicated with an SGA fetus had a significantly lower mean plasma concentration of syndecan-1 than those with an appropriate-for-gestational-age fetus (p = .0001); (3) this difference can be attributed to fetal growth restriction, as the mean plasma syndecan-1 concentration was significantly lower only in the group of women with an SGA fetus who had abnormal umbilical and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry compared to controls (p = .00071; adjusted p = .0028). A trend toward lower syndecan-1 concentrations was also noted for SGA with abnormal uterine but normal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry (p = .0505; adjusted p = .067); 4) among women with an SGA fetus, those with abnormal umbilical and uterine artery Doppler findings had a lower mean plasma syndecan-1 concentration than women with normal Doppler velocimetry (p = .02; adjusted p = .04); 5) an inverse relationship was found between the maternal plasma syndecan-1 concentration and the umbilical artery pulsatility index (r = -0.5; p = .003); and 6) a plasma syndecan-1 concentration ≤ 850 ng/mL had a positive likelihood ratio of 4.4 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.24 for the identification of a mother with an SGA fetus who had abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry (area under the ROC curve 0.83; p < .001). CONCLUSION Low maternal plasma syndecan-1 may reflect placental diseases and this protein could be a biomarker for fetal growth restriction. However, as a sole biomarker for this condition, its accuracy is low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Juusela
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Dahiana M. Gallo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Mariachiara Bosco
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ramiro Diaz-Primera
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nandor Gabor Than
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Systems Biology of Reproduction Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Maternity Private Clinic, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Starodubtseva NL, Tokareva AO, Volochaeva MV, Kononikhin AS, Brzhozovskiy AG, Bugrova AE, Timofeeva AV, Kukaev EN, Tyutyunnik VL, Kan NE, Frankevich VE, Nikolaev EN, Sukhikh GT. Quantitative Proteomics of Maternal Blood Plasma in Isolated Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16832. [PMID: 38069155 PMCID: PMC10706154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remains a significant concern in modern obstetrics, linked to high neonatal health problems and even death, as well as childhood disability, affecting adult quality of life. The role of maternal and fetus adaptation during adverse pregnancy is still not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the disturbance in biological processes associated with isolated IUGR via blood plasma proteomics. The levels of 125 maternal plasma proteins were quantified by liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-MRM MS) with corresponding stable isotope-labeled peptide standards (SIS). Thirteen potential markers of IUGR (Gelsolin, Alpha-2-macroglobulin, Apolipoprotein A-IV, Apolipoprotein B-100, Apolipoprotein(a), Adiponectin, Complement C5, Apolipoprotein D, Alpha-1B-glycoprotein, Serum albumin, Fibronectin, Glutathione peroxidase 3, Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) were found to be inter-connected in a protein-protein network. These proteins are involved in plasma lipoprotein assembly, remodeling, and clearance; lipid metabolism, especially cholesterol and phospholipids; hemostasis, including platelet degranulation; and immune system regulation. Additionally, 18 proteins were specific to a particular type of IUGR (early or late). Distinct patterns in the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems were observed between isolated early- and late-onset IUGR. Our findings highlight the complex interplay of immune and coagulation factors in IUGR and the differences between early- and late-onset IUGR and other placenta-related conditions like PE. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving outcomes for pregnancies affected by IUGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L. Starodubtseva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alisa O. Tokareva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Maria V. Volochaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Alexey S. Kononikhin
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Alexander G. Brzhozovskiy
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Anna E. Bugrova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelika V. Timofeeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Evgenii N. Kukaev
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- V.L. Talrose Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor L. Tyutyunnik
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Natalia E. Kan
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Vladimir E. Frankevich
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgeny N. Nikolaev
- V.L. Talrose Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady T. Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Catalano R, Bruckner TA, Gemmill A, Casey JA, Margerison C, Hartig T. A novel indicator of selection in utero. Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:244-250. [PMID: 37485055 PMCID: PMC10360163 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Selection in utero predicts that population stressors raise the standard for how quickly fetuses must grow to avoid spontaneous abortion. Tests of this prediction must use indirect indicators of fetal loss in birth cohorts because vital statistics systems typically register fetal deaths at the 20th week of gestation or later, well after most have occurred. We argue that tests of selection in utero would make greater progress if researchers adopted an indicator of selection against slow-growing fetuses that followed from theory, allowed sex-specific tests and used readily available data. We propose such an indicator and assess its validity as a dependent variable by comparing its values among monthly birth cohorts before, and during, the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Methodology We apply Box-Jenkins methods to 50 pre-pandemic birth cohorts (i.e., December 2016 through January 2020) and use the resulting transfer functions to predict counterfactual values in our suggested indicator for selection for ten subsequent birth cohorts beginning in February 2020. We then plot all 60 residual values as well as their 95% detection interval. If birth cohorts in gestation at the onset of the pandemic lost more slow-growing fetuses than expected from history, more than one of the last 10 (i.e. pandemic-exposed) residuals would fall below the detection interval. Results Four of the last 10 residuals of our indicator for males and for females fell below the 95% detection interval. Conclusions and implications Consistent with selection in utero, Swedish birth cohorts in gestation at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic included fewer than expected infants who grew slowly in utero.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Catalano
- Corresponding author. School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Tel: þ510-604-3107; E-mail:
| | - Tim A Bruckner
- Program in Public Health and Center for Population, Inequality and Policy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alison Gemmill
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joan A Casey
- Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claire Margerison
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Terry Hartig
- Institute for Housing and Urban Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Boudry T, Lallemant M, Ramanah R, Mottet N. Influence of in utero fetal death on perineal tears in vaginal deliveries. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7484. [PMID: 37160998 PMCID: PMC10170066 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the incidence of perineal tears and Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) after vaginal delivery following a in utero fetal death (IUFD) compared with those with a live-birth. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study using a database of all women who underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery in the level III maternity ward. Exclusion criteria were breech presentation, cesarean section birth, instrumental delivery, multiple pregnancy, delivery before 24 + 6 weeks of gestation (WG) and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. Women from the database were divided into two groups: an "in utero fetal death" (IUFD) group and a control group. Women were included in the IUFD group if they had a spontaneous vaginal delivery following a fetal demise after 24 + 6 WG in cephalic presentation between January 2006 and June 2020. Women in the "control" group were selected from the same database and were included if they underwent a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a live fetus in cephalic presentation, after 24 + 6 WG, during the same period. Each woman in the "IUFD" group was matched to two women (ratio 1:2) in the control group for parity, maternal age, body mass index, gestation and birth weight. The primary outcome was the presence of a sutured or unsutured perineal tear. During the study period, 31,208 patients delivered at a level III maternity hospital. Among them, 215 and 430 women were included in the IUFD group and the control group respectively. The two groups were comparable for all demographic and clinical characteristics except for an epidural analgesia (92% versus 70% in the control group, p < 0.01) and labor induction (86% versus 17% in the control group, p < 0.01). The incidence of any perineal tears was 13% (28/15) in the IUFD group versus 16% (70/430) in the control group. Relative risk of any perineal tears was non significative (RR = 0.8 IC95% [0.5-1.2]). The incidence of first-degree perineal tears was 10% in the IUFD group and 11% in the control group. The incidence of second-degree perineal tears was 18% in the IUFD group and 28% in the control group. Relative risk of first-degree perineal tears (RR = 0.88 95% CI [0.5-1.4]) and second-degree tears (RR = 0.51 95% CI [0.2-1.4]) were non significative. No obstetrical anal sphincter injury was found in either group. Vaginal delivery following a fetal demise did not appear to be either a risk factor or a protective factor for perineal tears. But there as a trend toward a lower incidence of second degree perineal tears in this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Boudry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France
| | - Marine Lallemant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France
- Université de Franche-Comté, FEMTO-ST Institute, UMR CNRS 6174, Department of Applied Mechanics, Besançon, France
| | - Rajeev Ramanah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France
- Nanomedicine Laboratory, INSERM EA4662, University of Franche-Comte, 25000, Besancon, France
| | - Nicolas Mottet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center of Besancon, University of Franche-Comte, Alexander Fleming Boulevard, 25000, Besançon, France.
- Nanomedicine Laboratory, INSERM EA4662, University of Franche-Comte, 25000, Besancon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Larsen ML, Schreiber V, Krebs L, Hoei-Hansen CE, Kumar S. The magnitude rather than the rate of decline in fetal growth is a stronger risk factor for perinatal mortality in term infants. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100780. [PMID: 36273814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal diagnosis of an infant suspected of having fetal growth restriction is important because of its strong association with perinatal mortality and morbidity. The current Delphi consensus criteria include a decline of >50th percentiles in fetal growth when diagnosing late fetal growth restriction; however, the evidence underpinning this criterion is limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the relationships among the magnitude of decline in fetal growth and stillbirth, perinatal mortality, and adverse neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN This cohort study of 15,861 pregnancies was conducted at the Mater Mother's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. The decline in fetal growth was calculated as a drop in either estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference percentiles between 2 ultrasound scans performed after 18 weeks of gestation. Relationships between declining fetal growth and the outcomes were, firstly, analyzed as a continuous variable and, if significant, further assessed with the rate of decline and different magnitudes of decline, compared to the referent category (change in growth of ±10 percentiles between scans). The 3 categories of growth decline were >10th to <25th percentiles, ≤25th to <50th percentiles, and ≥50th percentiles. Associations were analyzed by logistic regressions. The primary study outcomes were stillbirth and perinatal mortality (composite of stillbirth and neonatal death). The secondary outcomes were birth of a small-for-gestational-age infant (birthweight of <10th percentile for gestation), emergency cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status, and composite severe neonatal morbidity. RESULTS The risks of stillbirth and perinatal mortality increased significantly by 2.6% (0.4%-4.6%) and 2.8% (1.0%-4.5%), respectively, per 1 percentile decline in fetal growth. In addition, the odds of stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio, 3.68 (1.32-10.24) and perinatal mortality (4.44) (1.82-10.84)) compared to the referent group were significantly increased only when the decline was ≥50th percentiles, regardless of birthweight. Furthermore, none of the primary outcomes were significantly associated with the rate of growth decline. The risk of a small-for-gestational-age infant increased by 2.4% (2.2%-2.7%) for every percentile decline. Conversely, reduced fetal growth was not associated with emergency cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status or severe neonatal morbidity. CONCLUSION Our results supported the use of a ≥50th percentile decline in fetal growth as a criterion for identifying infants at risk of late fetal growth restriction. This cutoff also identified fetuses at high risk of perinatal mortality, regardless of birthweight and rate of growth decline. Our findings may guide obstetrical practice by alerting clinicians to the importance of incorporating the magnitude of fetal growth decline into antenatal counseling and decisions regarding the timing of birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mads Langager Larsen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Larsen and Hoei-Hansen); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark (Drs Larsen and Krebs); Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr Larsen, Ms Schreiber, and Dr Kumar)
| | - Veronika Schreiber
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr Larsen, Ms Schreiber, and Dr Kumar); Faculty of Medicine, Mater Mother's Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Ms Schreiber and Dr Kumar)
| | - Lone Krebs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark (Drs Larsen and Krebs); Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Engel Hoei-Hansen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Larsen and Hoei-Hansen); Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr Larsen, Ms Schreiber, and Dr Kumar); Faculty of Medicine, Mater Mother's Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Ms Schreiber and Dr Kumar); Centre for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Mater Mother's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr Kumar); National Health and Medical Research Council, Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr Kumar).
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pineles BL, Mendez-Figueroa H, Chauhan SP. Diagnosis of fetal growth restriction in a cohort of small-for-gestational-age neonates at term: neonatal and maternal outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2022; 4:100672. [PMID: 35667554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small-for-gestational-age neonates (birthweight of <10th percentile for gestational age) are significantly more likely to have multiple adverse outcomes than appropriate-for-gestational-age neonates (birthweight of 10th-90th percentile). Most small-for-gestational-age neonates are undetected during pregnancy (ie, not diagnosed as fetal growth restriction), but the sequela of being undetected remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to compare the composite neonatal adverse outcomes among singleton pregnancies that were at least 37 weeks and delivered small-for-gestational-age neonates, which were diagnosed as either fetal growth restriction during pregnancy (detected small for gestational age) or not (undetected small for gestational age). STUDY DESIGN This was a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort, the Consortium for Safe Labor. Singleton births at 37.0 to 41.6 weeks of gestation without congenital anomalies born small for gestational age were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the rate of composite neonatal adverse outcome, defined as any of the following: Apgar score of <5 at 5 minutes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation at birth, respiratory distress syndrome, continuous positive airway pressure, mechanical ventilation, neonatal seizures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or diagnosis of asphyxia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal sepsis, or fetal or neonatal death. The secondary outcome was the rate of composite maternal adverse outcome, which included any of the following: postpartum hemorrhage, peripartum infection, thromboembolism, hysterectomy, uterine rupture, eclampsia, intensive care unit admission, or maternal death. Small for gestational age with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (detected small for gestational age) was compared with small for gestational age without a prenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (undetected small for gestational age). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to compare groups. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. Gestational age-specific risks of composite neonatal adverse outcome and perinatal death were computed for each week of gestation among ongoing pregnancies. RESULTS Of the 228,438 deliveries in the Consortium for Safe Labor, 18,607 (8.1%) met the inclusion criteria. Among these deliveries, 17,689 (95.0%) were undetected small for gestational age, and 918 (5.0%) were detected small for gestational age. The overall rate of composite neonatal adverse outcome was 3.0%. Moreover, the rate of composite neonatal adverse outcome was similar between undetected small for gestational age and detected small for gestational age (3.0% vs 3.9%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-2.00). Some components of the composite-respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation, and necrotizing enterocolitis-were significantly higher among undetected small for gestational age than among detected small for gestational age. The overall rate of composite maternal adverse outcome was 6.2%. The rate of composite maternal adverse outcome between undetected small for gestational age and detected small for gestational age (6.2% vs 5.1%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-1.18) was similar. In gestational age-specific comparisons of composite neonatal adverse outcome, no difference was found between the undetected small-for-gestational-age group and the detected small-for-gestational-age group except for in pregnancies >41 weeks. In pregnancies at 41.0 to 41.6 weeks, the rate of composite neonatal adverse outcome was significantly greater in detected small for gestational age than in undetected small for gestational age (10.0% vs 2.5%, respectively; P=.035). CONCLUSION Antenatal detection of small for gestational age was not associated with improved composite neonatal adverse outcomes, although some components of morbidity improved with detection. Maternal outcomes did not differ between detected small for gestational age and undetected small for gestational age.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Birth Weight
- Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/diagnosis
- Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/epidemiology
- Female
- Fetal Growth Retardation/diagnosis
- Fetal Growth Retardation/epidemiology
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/diagnosis
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/epidemiology
- Infant, Newborn, Diseases/etiology
- Infant, Small for Gestational Age
- Perinatal Death
- Pregnancy
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/diagnosis
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/epidemiology
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/etiology
- Retrospective Studies
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth L Pineles
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.
| | - Hector Mendez-Figueroa
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Suneet P Chauhan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
King VJ, Bennet L, Stone PR, Clark A, Gunn AJ, Dhillon SK. Fetal growth restriction and stillbirth: Biomarkers for identifying at risk fetuses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959750. [PMID: 36060697 PMCID: PMC9437293 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity and impaired neurodevelopment. Its etiology is multifactorial, but many cases are related to impaired placental development and dysfunction, with reduced nutrient and oxygen supply. The fetus has a remarkable ability to respond to hypoxic challenges and mounts protective adaptations to match growth to reduced nutrient availability. However, with progressive placental dysfunction, chronic hypoxia may progress to a level where fetus can no longer adapt, or there may be superimposed acute hypoxic events. Improving detection and effective monitoring of progression is critical for the management of complicated pregnancies to balance the risk of worsening fetal oxygen deprivation in utero, against the consequences of iatrogenic preterm birth. Current surveillance modalities include frequent fetal Doppler ultrasound, and fetal heart rate monitoring. However, nearly half of FGR cases are not detected in utero, and conventional surveillance does not prevent a high proportion of stillbirths. We review diagnostic challenges and limitations in current screening and monitoring practices and discuss potential ways to better identify FGR, and, critically, to identify the “tipping point” when a chronically hypoxic fetus is at risk of progressive acidosis and stillbirth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. King
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R. Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Biomedical Engineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Simerdeep K. Dhillon,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hugh O, Gardosi J. Fetal weight projection model to define growth velocity and validation against pregnancy outcome in a cohort of serially scanned pregnancies. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:86-95. [PMID: 35041244 PMCID: PMC9328382 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal growth assessment is central to good antenatal care, yet there is a lack of definition of normal and abnormal fetal growth rate which can identify pregnancies at risk of adverse outcome. The aim of this study was to develop and test a model for defining normal limits of growth velocity which are specific to the fetal weight measurement interval. METHODS The cohort consisted of 102 138 singleton pregnancies which underwent at least two third-trimester measurements of ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW), usually carried out because routine early-pregnancy risk assessment had indicated an increased risk of fetal growth restriction. We projected the EFW from the first of each consecutive measurement pair along its own centile rank to the gestational age of the second scan. Normal growth was defined as the second EFW being within a weight range based on limits derived by partial receiver-operating-characteristics-curve (pROC) analyses for small-for-gestational-age (SGA; < 10th centile) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA; > 90th centile) birth weight. The limits were measurement-interval specific and calculated for a fixed false-positive rate (FPR) of 10%. The resultant normal, slow and accelerated growth rates calculated from consecutive EFW pairs were evaluated against the following predefined perinatal outcome measures: stillbirth, neonatal death, SGA and LGA at birth, 5-min Apgar score < 7 and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Slow growth based on the last two scans was compared with SGA fetal weight (EFW < 10th centile) at the last scan and association with stillbirth risk was assessed, expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. RESULTS The optimal cut-off limits for normal growth rate between consecutive scans varied according to the length of the measurement interval, with an average of -8.0% for slow growth and + 9.3% for accelerated growth at a fixed FPR of 10%. Slow growth between random consecutive scan pairs was associated significantly with all predefined outcome measures including stillbirth (RR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.84-2.53) and neonatal death (RR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.60-3.13). Accelerated growth was associated with LGA at birth (RR, 2.15; 95% CI, 2.10-2.20), while normal growth was protective of all adverse outcome measures. Slow growth between the last two scans (which were performed at a median gestational age of 33 + 1 to 36 + 4 weeks) and SGA at the last scan were each predictors of stillbirth, and stillbirth risk was highest when both were present (RR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.67-4.20). However, 66.2% of pregnancies with slow growth were not SGA at the last scan and these cases also had an increased risk of stillbirth (RR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.40-3.05). CONCLUSION Fetal growth velocity defined by projected, measurement-interval specific fetal weight limits is associated independently with perinatal outcome and should be used for antenatal surveillance in addition to assessment by fetal size. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O. Hugh
- Perinatal InstituteBirminghamUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jaiman S, Romero R, Bhatti G, Jung E, Gotsch F, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Chaiworapongsa T, Kadar N. The role of the placenta in spontaneous preterm labor and delivery with intact membranes. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:553-566. [PMID: 35246973 PMCID: PMC9189066 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether placental vascular pathology and impaired placental exchange due to maturational defects are involved in the etiology of spontaneous preterm labor and delivery in cases without histologic acute chorioamnionitis. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational study. Cases included pregnancies that resulted in spontaneous preterm labor and delivery (<37 weeks), whereas uncomplicated pregnancies that delivered fetuses at term (≥37-42 weeks of gestation) were selected as controls. Placental histological diagnoses were classified into three groups: lesions of maternal vascular malperfusion, lesions of fetal vascular malperfusion, and placental microvasculopathy, and the frequency of each type of lesion in cases and controls was compared. Moreover, we specifically searched for villous maturational abnormalities in cases and controls. Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical and uterine arteries were performed in a subset of patients. RESULTS There were 184 cases and 2471 controls, of which 95 and 1178 had Doppler studies, respectively. The frequency of lesions of maternal vascular malperfusion was greater in the placentas of patients with preterm labor than in the control group [14.1% (26/184) vs. 8.8% (217/2471) (p=0.023)]. Disorders of villous maturation were more frequent in the group with preterm labor than in the control group: 41.1% (39/95) [delayed villous maturation in 31.6% (30/95) vs. 2.5% (13/519) in controls and accelerated villous maturation in 9.5% (9/95) vs. none in controls]. CONCLUSIONS Maturational defects of placental villi were associated with approximately 41% of cases of unexplained spontaneous preterm labor and delivery without acute inflammatory lesions of the placenta and with delivery of appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Jaiman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Dahiana M. Gallo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lees CC, Romero R, Stampalija T, Dall'Asta A, DeVore GA, Prefumo F, Frusca T, Visser GHA, Hobbins JC, Baschat AA, Bilardo CM, Galan HL, Campbell S, Maulik D, Figueras F, Lee W, Unterscheider J, Valensise H, Da Silva Costa F, Salomon LJ, Poon LC, Ferrazzi E, Mari G, Rizzo G, Kingdom JC, Kiserud T, Hecher K. Clinical Opinion: The diagnosis and management of suspected fetal growth restriction: an evidence-based approach. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:366-378. [PMID: 35026129 PMCID: PMC9125563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This study reviewed the literature about the diagnosis, antepartum surveillance, and time of delivery of fetuses suspected to be small for gestational age or growth restricted. Several guidelines have been issued by major professional organizations, including the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The differences in recommendations, in particular about Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus and middle cerebral artery, have created confusion among clinicians, and this review has intended to clarify and highlight the available evidence that is pertinent to clinical management. A fetus who is small for gestational age is frequently defined as one with an estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile. This condition has been considered syndromic and has been frequently attributed to fetal growth restriction, a constitutionally small fetus, congenital infections, chromosomal abnormalities, or genetic conditions. Small for gestational age is not synonymous with fetal growth restriction, which is defined by deceleration of fetal growth determined by a change in fetal growth velocity. An abnormal umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index reflects an increased impedance to flow in the umbilical circulation and is considered to be an indicator of placental disease. The combined finding of an estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry has been widely accepted as indicative of fetal growth restriction. Clinical studies have shown that the gestational age at diagnosis can be used to subclassify suspected fetal growth restriction into early and late, depending on whether the condition is diagnosed before or after 32 weeks of gestation. The early type is associated with umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities, whereas the late type is often associated with a low pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery. A large randomized clinical trial indicated that in the context of early suspected fetal growth restriction, the combination of computerized cardiotocography and fetal ductus venosus Doppler improves outcomes, such that 95% of surviving infants have a normal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age. A low middle cerebral artery pulsatility index is associated with an adverse perinatal outcome in late fetal growth restriction; however, there is no evidence supporting its use to determine the time of delivery. Nonetheless, an abnormality in middle cerebral artery Doppler could be valuable to increase the surveillance of the fetus at risk. We propose that fetal size, growth rate, uteroplacental Doppler indices, cardiotocography, and maternal conditions (ie, hypertension) according to gestational age are important factors in optimizing the outcome of suspected fetal growth restriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph C Lees
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Dall'Asta
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Greggory A DeVore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Federico Prefumo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Frusca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gerard H A Visser
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John C Hobbins
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Ahmet A Baschat
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, John Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Caterina M Bilardo
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry L Galan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Dev Maulik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
| | - Francesc Figueras
- BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wesley Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, Houston, TX
| | - Julia Unterscheider
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Herbert Valensise
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Surgery, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabricio Da Silva Costa
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laurent J Salomon
- Obstétrique et Plateforme LUMIERE, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades (AP-HP) et Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Liona C Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Enrico Ferrazzi
- Department of Woman, Child and Neonate, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Mari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Giuseppe Rizzo
- Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - John C Kingdom
- Placenta Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Torvid Kiserud
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, and Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Perinatal Adverse Effects in Newborns with Estimated Loss of Weight Percentile between the Third Trimester Ultrasound and Delivery. The GROWIN Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10204643. [PMID: 34682766 PMCID: PMC8537032 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction has been associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). We determined the importance of fetal growth detention (FGD) in late gestation for the occurrence of APOs in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) newborns. For this purpose, we analyzed a retrospective cohort study of 1067 singleton pregnancies. The newborns with higher APOs were SGA non-FGD and SGA FGD in 40.9% and 31.5% of cases, respectively, and we found an association between SGA non-FGD and any APO (OR 2.61; 95% CI: 1.35–4.99; p = 0.004). We did not find an increased APO risk in AGA FGD newborns (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.59; p = 0.483), except for cesarean delivery for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS) with a decrease in percentile cutoff greater than 40 (RR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.11–5.21) and 50 (RR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.14–7.54). Conclusions: Newborns with the highest probability of APOs are SGA non-FGDs. AGA FGD newborns do not have a higher incidence of APOs than AGA non-FGDs, although with falls in percentile cutoff over 40, they have an increased risk of cesarean section due to NRFS. Further studies are warranted to detect these newborns who would benefit from close surveillance in late gestation and at delivery.
Collapse
|
23
|
Wu T, Gong X, Zhao Y, Zhang L, You Y, Wei H, Zuo X, Zhou Y, Xing X, Meng Z, Lv Q, Liu Z, Zhang J, Hu L, Li J, Li L, Chen C, Liu C, Sun G, Liu A, Chen J, Lv Y, Wang X, Wei Y. Fetal growth velocity references from a Chinese population-based fetal growth study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:688. [PMID: 34627184 PMCID: PMC8501691 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth velocity standards have yet to be established for the Chinese population. This study aimed to establish such standards suitable for the Chinese population. METHODS We performed a multicenter, population-based longitudinal cohort study including 9075 low-risk singleton pregnant women. Data were collected from the clinical records of 24 hospitals in 18 provinces of China. Demographic characteristics, reproductive history, fetal ultrasound measurements, and perinatal outcome data were collected. The fetal ultrasound measurements included biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC), and femur diaphysis length (FDL). We used linear mixed models with cubic splines to model the trajectory of four ultrasound parameters and estimate fetal weight. Fetal growth velocity was determined by calculating the first derivative of fetal size curves. We also used logistic regression to estimate the association between fetal growth velocities in the bottom 10th percentile and adverse perinatal outcomes. RESULTS Fetal growth velocity was not consistent over time or among individuals. The estimated fetal weight (EFW) steadily increased beginning at 12 gestational weeks and peaked at 35 gestational weeks. The maximum velocity was 211.71 g/week, and there was a steady decrease in velocity from 35 to 40 gestational weeks. The four ultrasound measurements increased in the early second trimester; BPD and HC peaked at 13 gestational weeks, AC at 14 gestational weeks, and FDL at 15 gestational weeks. BPD and HC also increased from 19 to 24 and 19 to 21 gestational weeks, respectively. EFW velocity in the bottom 10th percentile indicated higher risks of neonatal complications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79-2.78) and preterm birth < 37 weeks (OR = 3.68, 95% CI: 2.64-5.14). Sensitivity analyses showed that EFW velocity in the bottom 10th percentile was significantly associated with more adverse pregnancy outcomes for appropriate-for-gestational age neonates. CONCLUSIONS We established fetal growth velocity curves for the Chinese population based on real-world clinical data. Our findings demonstrated that Chinese fetal growth patterns are somewhat different from those of other populations. Fetal growth velocity could provide more information to understand the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, especially for appropriate-for-gestational age neonates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoli Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lizhen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, 066000, China
| | - Yiping You
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hunan, Changsha, 410007, China
| | - Hongwei Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Xifang Zuo
- Department of Obstetrics, Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, 101100, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Xinli Xing
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng, 252004, China
| | - Zhaoyan Meng
- Department of Obstetrics, Gansu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Qi Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changchun Obstetrics-Gynecology Hospital, Changchun, 130042, China
| | - Zhaodong Liu
- Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fu Zhou, 350122, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Function, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, 050051, China
| | - Liyan Hu
- Children's Hospital of Shanxi, Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, 030013, China
| | - Junnan Li
- Department of Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhengzhou Central Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450007, China
| | - Chulin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Changzhi, Changzhi, 046011, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternity and Infant Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, 110014, China
| | - Guoqiang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Aiju Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Inner Mongolia Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hohhot, 010060, China
| | - Jingsi Chen
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yuan Lv
- Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 117004, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|