Individualized growth assessment: conceptual framework and practical implementation for the evaluation of fetal...

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Fetal Development
• Biometry

Background:

• Fetal growth abnormalities impact perinatal outcomes.
• Current definitions of fetal growth restriction lack individualization and fail to differentiate constitutionally small fetuses from malnourished ones.
• Traditional methods rely on single-point estimations rather than serial growth assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a conceptual framework for individualized fetal growth assessment.
• To estimate individual fetal growth potential using second-trimester growth velocity.
• To predict third-trimester size and birth characteristics for improved diagnosis of fetal growth abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Measuring second-trimester growth velocity of fetal size parameters.
• Developing individualized size models to predict third-trimester trajectories.
• Comparing measured and predicted values to identify growth abnormalities.
• Utilizing individual anatomical parameters or sets of parameters.
• Developing the Individualized Growth Assessment Program software.

Main Results:

• The proposed framework allows for individualized growth assessment.
• Growth velocity measurements can estimate individual growth potential.
• Individualized third-trimester size trajectories and birth characteristics can be predicted.
• This method effectively separates normally growing fetuses from those with growth abnormalities.
• The Individualized Growth Assessment Program facilitates clinical implementation.

Conclusions:

• Individualized assessment of fetal growth velocity offers a more accurate approach than population-based criteria.
• This method enhances the ability to detect and manage fetal growth abnormalities.
• The developed software provides a practical tool for clinicians and researchers.