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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
14:19

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Published on: June 29, 2013

[Intrauterine growth retardation, its consequences in infancy, in the child and long term]

B L Salle1, P Chatelain, M Nicolino

  • 1Service de Néonatalogie et Réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, 69437 Lyon.

Bulletin De L'Academie Nationale De Medecine
|April 27, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Intrauterine growth restriction can lead to growth hormone treatment in infancy. Adults born with low birth weight face an 18x higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affects 7-10% of infants, often requiring intervention.
  • Low birth weight (<2.4 kg) is a significant risk factor for later-life health issues.
  • Understanding the long-term consequences of IUGR is crucial for preventative healthcare.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the long-term health outcomes of infants experiencing intrauterine growth restriction.
  • To quantify the increased risk of adult diseases associated with low birth weight.
  • To provide recommendations for the follow-up care of infants with growth restriction.

Summary:

  • Infants with severe growth restriction (<-2 DS) may require growth hormone therapy.
  • Adults born with low birth weight exhibit an 18-fold increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease).
  • The study highlights the critical link between early-life growth and adult disease prevalence.

Impact:

  • Informs clinical guidelines for managing IUGR and its long-term health implications.
  • Emphasizes the importance of monitoring and early intervention for at-risk infants.
  • Contributes to public health strategies aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.

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