Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
A uniform management approach to optimize outcome in fetal growth restriction
Viola Seravalli1, Ahmet A Baschat1
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Nelson 228, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Insights
A standardized approach to diagnosing and managing fetal growth restriction (FGR) improves outcomes and prevents stillbirth. Differentiating early-onset and late-onset FGR is key for effective management and timely delivery.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Perinatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a critical condition impacting pregnancy outcomes.
- Two distinct clinical phenotypes, early-onset and late-onset FGR, stem from placental dysfunction.
- Current management strategies require refinement to optimize fetal and maternal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the benefits of a uniform approach to fetal growth restriction (FGR) diagnosis and management.
- To highlight the distinct challenges posed by early-onset versus late-onset FGR.
- To underscore the need for improved surveillance methods to prevent stillbirth.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical phenotypes of placental dysfunction in FGR.
- Analysis of management challenges associated with early-onset FGR (prematurity, maternal hypertension).
- Evaluation of diagnostic and surveillance issues in late-onset FGR, focusing on stillbirth prevention.
Main Results:
- A uniform diagnostic and management approach leads to better outcomes.
- Early-onset FGR management is complicated by prematurity and maternal hypertensive disorders.
- Late-onset FGR poses a significant risk of unanticipated stillbirth due to diagnostic or surveillance failures.
Conclusions:
- Consistent diagnosis and management protocols for FGR are crucial for improved fetal outcomes.
- Distinguishing between early-onset and late-onset FGR is essential for tailored clinical interventions.
- Prioritizing surveillance tests with high predictive accuracy for fetal acidemia and optimizing monitoring intervals are critical for preventing fetal deterioration and stillbirth.
Abstract:
A uniform approach to the diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction (FGR) consistently produces better outcome, prevention of unanticipated stillbirth, and appropriate timing of delivery. Early-onset and late-onset FGR represent two distinct clinical phenotypes of placental dysfunction. Management challenges in early-onset FGR revolve around prematurity and coexisting maternal hypertensive disease, whereas in late-onset disease failure of diagnosis or surveillance leading to unanticipated stillbirth is the primary issue. Identifying the surveillance tests that have the highest predictive accuracy for fetal acidemia and establishing the appropriate monitoring interval to detect fetal deterioration is a high priority.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...