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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Integrated testing and management in fetal growth restriction
Sifa Turan1, Jena Miller, Ahmet A Baschat
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Insights
Growth-restricted fetuses face higher risks. An integrated approach using fetal biometry, biophysical profile scoring, and Doppler assessments improves diagnosis and management for better perinatal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Neonatology
Background:
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is linked to adverse perinatal and long-term outcomes.
- Accurate diagnosis of FGR remains challenging, contributing to unexplained stillbirths.
- Existing antenatal testing modalities can document fetal deterioration sequentially.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an integrated diagnostic and surveillance strategy for growth-restricted fetuses.
- To optimize the timing of delivery by balancing fetal and neonatal risks.
- To improve the identification and management of FGR.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a combination of fetal biometry, biophysical profile scoring, and arterial and venous Doppler assessments.
- Integrating multiple antenatal testing modalities to document fetal deterioration.
- Considering fetal and neonatal risks for delivery timing decisions.
Main Results:
- An integrated approach provides a comprehensive assessment of fetal compromise.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial, especially in near-term fetuses, to prevent stillbirth.
- The described approach aids in determining optimal timing for delivery.
Conclusions:
- An integrated diagnostic and surveillance approach is essential for managing growth-restricted fetuses.
- Combining biometry, biophysical scoring, and Doppler enhances the assessment of fetal well-being.
- This strategy aims to improve perinatal outcomes and reduce stillbirth rates.
Abstract:
Growth-restricted fetuses are at higher risk for poor perinatal and long-term outcome than those who are appropriately grown. Multiple antenatal testing modalities can help document the sequence of fetal deterioration. The full extent of this compromise is best identified by a combination of fetal biometry, biophysical profile scoring, and arterial and venous Doppler. In the preterm growth-restricted fetus, timing of delivery is critically determined by the balance of fetal versus neonatal risks. In the near-term fetus, accurate diagnosis continues to be a challenge as unrecognized growth restriction contributes to a significant proportion of unexplained stillbirths. In this review, we present an integrated diagnostic and surveillance approach that accounts for these factors.
