Fetal growth restriction: the etiology

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a significant obstetric complication with diverse etiologies.
• Identifying the specific causes of FGR is crucial for effective clinical management.
• Existing knowledge links FGR to maternal, fetal, and placental factors, but associations are not always present.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the etiologic factors associated with Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR).
• To elucidate the roles of maternal, fetal, and placental conditions in the development of FGR.
• To highlight the importance of understanding FGR etiologies for improved clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies investigating Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) etiologies.
• Analysis of maternal, fetal, and placental factors implicated in FGR.
• Synthesis of current evidence on the association between various factors and FGR.

Main Results:

• Maternal factors contributing to FGR include hypertensive diseases, autoimmune disorders, malnutrition, and lifestyle choices (smoking, alcohol, cocaine).
• Fetal etiologies encompass aneuploidy, malformations, genomic imprinting syndromes, infections, preterm birth, and multiple gestation.
• Placental factors involve anatomical, vascular, chromosomal, and morphological abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Fetal growth restriction (FGR) arises from a complex interplay of maternal, fetal, and placental factors.
• A thorough understanding of these diverse etiologies is essential for advancing the prediction and prevention of FGR.
• Further research into the specific mechanisms underlying FGR may lead to improved therapeutic strategies.