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Updated: May 9, 2026

Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® growth disturbances - risk of intrauterine growth restriction
Carolyn M Zelop1, Marcia C Javitt, Phyllis Glanc
1Valley Hospital, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA. cmzelop@comcast.net
Insights
Fetal growth disturbances, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), are identified by estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile or growth plateaus. Uteroplacental insufficiency is a key cause, potentially leading to fetal hypoxia and acidosis.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Fetal growth disturbances encompass fetuses at risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
- IUGR is characterized by estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile or a growth plateau.
- Uteroplacental insufficiency is a significant etiological factor, potentially causing fetal hypoxia and acidosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the understanding of fetal growth disturbances and their assessment.
- To highlight the role of uteroplacental insufficiency in IUGR.
- To outline methods for assessing fetal well-being in at-risk pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current medical literature on fetal growth disturbances.
- Application of the modified Delphi consensus methodology by a multidisciplinary expert panel.
- Analysis of evidence to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures.
Main Results:
- Fetuses at risk for IUGR face potential intrauterine environmental hostility.
- Fetal hypoxia and acidosis are potential consequences of IUGR.
- Established methods for assessing fetal well-being include biophysical profile, Doppler velocimetry, fetal heart rate monitoring, and fetal movement counting.
Conclusions:
- Fetal growth disturbances require careful monitoring and assessment.
- Uteroplacental insufficiency is a critical factor in IUGR etiology.
- Evidence-based guidelines, like the ACR Appropriateness Criteria®, aid in managing these conditions.
Abstract:
Fetal growth disturbances include fetuses at risk for intrauterine growth restriction. These fetuses may have an estimated fetal weight at less than the 10% or demonstrate a plateau of fetal growth with an estimated fetal growth greater than the 10%. Uteroplacental insufficiency may play a major role in the etiology of intrauterine growth restriction. Fetuses at risk for intrauterine fetal growth restriction are susceptible to the potential hostility of the intrauterine environment leading to fetal hypoxia and fetal acidosis. Fetal well-being can be assessed using biophysical profile, Doppler velocimetry, fetal heart rate monitoring, and fetal movement counting.Fetal growth disturbances include fetuses at risk for intrauterine growth restriction. These fetuses may have an estimated fetal weight at less than the 10% or demonstrate a plateau of fetal growth with an estimated fetal growth greater than the 10%. Uteroplacental insufficiency may play a major role in the etiology of intrauterine growth restriction. Fetuses at risk for intrauterine fetal growth restriction are susceptible to the potential hostility of the intrauterine environment leading to fetal hypoxia and fetal acidosis. Fetal well-being can be assessed using biophysical profile, Doppler velocimetry, fetal heart rate monitoring, and fetal movement counting.The ACR Appropriateness Criteria® are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every two years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.
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