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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Early identification of fetal growth restriction using ultrasound biometrics and biochemical markers: a comprehensive
Chunxia Wang1, Xingru Cao2, Junfeng Zhang2
1Department of Ultrasound, Ji'nan Matenity and Child Care Hospital Ji'nan 250001, Shandong, China.
Objective:
To evaluate whether ultrasound biometrics improve the identification and early treatment of fetal growth restriction (FGR).
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 240 pregnant women admitted to a Ji'nan Maternity and Child Care Hospital over a five-year period starting from January 2021. The study population comprised 120 women with fetal growth restriction (FGR group) and 120 women with normal pregnancies (Control group). The diagnosis of FGR was based on ultrasound measurements, with estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC) both below the 10th percentile. Clinical data on, including maternal risk factors, ultrasound scans, and fetal data (e.g., weight, health status, ultrasound measurements such as weight estimates, skull size, bone development, and head size), were analyzed.
Results:
The FGR group exhibited significantly lower EFW (P < 0.001), smaller AC (P < 0.001), shorter femur length (FL) (P < 0.001), and smaller biparietal diameter (BPD) (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. The head circumference to abdominal circumference ratio (HC/AC) was significantly higher in the FGR group (P < 0.001), reflecting abnormal growth patterns. Doppler ultrasound revealed significantly lower velocities and higher resistance indices in both the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) in the FGR group (P < 0.001). Additionally, biochemical markers such as beta-hCG were significantly higher (P < 0.001), while AFP and PAPP-A were significantly lower in the FGR group (P < 0.001). These findings highlight the importance of using ultrasound and specific biomarkers for effective detection of FGR.
Conclusion:
Early identification of fetal growth restriction (FGR) using a combination of ultrasound biometric indicators, Doppler blood flow measurements, and biochemical markers significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy, facilitates timely interventions, and enhances both maternal and fetal outcomes.
