Fetal growth velocity as a predictor of small for gestational age at birth and adverse perinatal outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Fetal growth velocity has a moderate association with adverse perinatal outcomes but suboptimal prediction for small-for-gestational-age infants. Standardized definitions are needed for clinical use in antenatal care.
Area Of Science
- Perinatal Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
Background
- Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) at birth is linked to adverse perinatal outcomes.
- Fetal growth velocity (FGV) is a potential predictor of SGA and adverse outcomes.
- Current methods for assessing fetal growth may have limitations.
Purpose Of The Study
- To evaluate the role of FGV in predicting SGA at birth.
- To assess the predictive value of FGV for adverse perinatal outcomes.
- To synthesize evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of FGV.
Main Methods
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2000 and 2025.
- Inclusion of prospective and retrospective studies assessing longitudinal fetal growth.
- Synthesis of pooled sensitivity, specificity, and risk estimates using random- and fixed-effects models.
Main Results
- Slowing FGV showed suboptimal prediction for SGA (GRADE: low).
- FGV demonstrated moderate association with adverse perinatal outcomes.
- Abdominal circumference growth velocity <10th centile increased composite adverse outcomes (aOR, 2.47).
- A drop in abdominal circumference/estimated fetal weight ≥50% increased perinatal death risk (aOR, 3.92) (GRADE: moderate).
Conclusions
- FGV is a moderate risk factor for adverse outcomes but does not improve prediction over cross-sectional biometry.
- Clinical utility may lie in complementing third-trimester biometry and Dopplers for risk stratification.
- Standardized definitions and formulas are crucial for improving reproducibility and clinical implementation.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
Related Concept Videos
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
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...