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Intrauterine growth retardation.
The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|November 1, 1983
Summary
Fetal growth retardation is a major cause of perinatal death. Antenatal monitoring helps reduce stillbirths and improve infant survival, with most growth-restricted infants having a satisfactory prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Fetal Monitoring
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Fetal growth retardation is a significant contributor to perinatal mortality.
- Antenatal fetal monitoring is crucial for reducing stillbirths and improving outcomes for live-born infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of identifying fetuses at risk of hypoxia, regardless of growth status.
- To compare biochemical and ultrasonographic testing methods for antenatal fetal assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes antenatal fetal monitoring, including biochemical testing of fetoplacental function and cardiotocography.
- Combines clinical assessment with biochemical and ultrasonographic testing to identify growth-retarded fetuses.
Main Results:
- Current methods identify up to 70% of growth-retarded fetuses.
- Not all small-for-dates fetuses are at risk, and some fetuses at risk are not growth-retarded.
- The prognosis for growth-retarded infants managed with current methods is generally satisfactory.
Conclusions:
- Identifying fetuses at risk of hypoxia is paramount in obstetric care.
- Biochemical and ultrasonographic tests have different aims and are not directly comparable.
- With appropriate antenatal management and delivery timing, most growth-retarded infants have positive physical and intellectual outcomes.