Intrauterine growth restriction: diagnosis and management. A review

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Fetal Physiology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a significant clinical concern, failing to meet genetic growth potential.
• IUGR is linked to increased perinatal mortality, morbidity, and long-term health risks.
• Clinical suspicion arises from abnormal ultrasonographic fetal size, symmetry, or weight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on fetal hemodynamics in IUGR pregnancies.
• To explore the relationship between fetal hemodynamic changes and IUGR severity.
• To inform targeted monitoring and delivery timing for IUGR fetuses.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on fetal hemodynamics in IUGR.
• Analysis of Doppler studies for differentiating IUGR causes (placental dysfunction vs. aneuploidy, genetic syndromes, infections).
• Correlation of hemodynamic changes with disease severity.

Main Results:

• Fetal hemodynamic alterations are characteristic of IUGR.
• Doppler studies are crucial for differentiating IUGR etiologies.
• Hemodynamic patterns correlate with the severity of placental dysfunction in IUGR.

Conclusions:

• Understanding fetal hemodynamics is key to managing IUGR.
• Targeted monitoring intervals can be established based on hemodynamic assessment.
• Optimizing delivery timing balances fetal and neonatal risks in IUGR pregnancies.