The Incremental Yield of CMA Over Karyotype in Fetal Growth Restriction-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ioakeim Sapantzoglou1, Evangelia Kontogeorgi1, Vasilios Pergialiotis1

  • 11st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Prenatal Diagnosis
|November 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) offers a higher diagnostic yield than karyotyping for fetal growth restriction (FGR). CMA provides incremental benefits in isolated, nonmalformed, and malformed FGR cases, aiding clinical management and counseling.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common pregnancy complication.
  • Karyotyping is the standard genetic test for FGR, but its diagnostic yield can be limited.
  • Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) offers higher resolution for detecting chromosomal abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the incremental yield of CMA compared to karyotyping in FGR.
  • To evaluate CMA's utility across different FGR classifications: isolated, nonmalformed, and malformed.
  • To inform clinical practice and genetic counseling for FGR cases.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Meta-analysis of 22 observational studies including 2275 fetuses with FGR.
  • Analysis of CMA results versus karyotyping in isolated, nonmalformed, and malformed FGR.

Main Results:

  • CMA showed a 3% incremental yield over karyotyping in isolated FGR (95% CI 2%-5%).
  • CMA demonstrated a 4% incremental yield in nonmalformed FGR (95% CI 3%-5%).
  • CMA yielded a 10% incremental benefit in malformed FGR (95% CI -13%).

Conclusions:

  • CMA provides a significant incremental diagnostic yield compared to karyotyping in various FGR categories.
  • These findings support the use of CMA for improved genetic diagnosis in FGR.
  • The results aid in individualizing patient care and counseling for couples affected by FGR.