Fetal Vascular Malperfusion: A Comprehensive 10-Year Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Analysis

Area of Science:

• Perinatal pathology
• Reproductive medicine
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) is a major cause of poor perinatal outcomes.
• Population-specific FVM patterns are not well understood, especially in the Middle East.
• This study investigates FVM in Kuwait over a decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize FVM patterns in a Kuwaiti population.
• To identify clinical correlates of FVM.
• To inform population-specific FVM assessment and management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 180 FVM cases (2014-2024).
• Classification by FVM grade and associated pathology.
• Analysis of clinical parameters including maternal age and pregnancy type.

Main Results:

• High-grade FVM was prevalent (80.0%).
• Distinct trimester patterns observed: inflammatory pathology in the second trimester, maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) in the third.
• Peak FVM risk identified in mothers aged 30-34 years; twin pregnancies had higher pathology burden.

Conclusions:

• Kuwaiti FVM cases exhibit distinct patterns, including age-related risks and trimester-specific pathology.
• Findings underscore the need for population-specific FVM evaluation.
• Results support tailored approaches to FVM management.