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[Retarded fetal growth. Attempt at an etiological-pathogenetic and clinical classification]
Insights
Small-for-dates babies are a diverse group with various causes of poor intrauterine fetal growth (P.I.F.G.). Understanding P.I.F.G. patterns is crucial for recognizing and managing fetal growth deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Neonatology
Context:
- Small-for-dates (SFD) infants represent a heterogeneous group, not a single clinical entity.
- Poor intrauterine fetal growth (P.I.F.G.) is multifactorial, with diverse onset times and contributing factors during pregnancy.
- Reduced fetal growth support can lead to irreversible organ deficiencies, significantly impacting perinatal pathology.
Purpose:
- To address the heterogeneity of SFD infants by proposing a classification system for P.I.F.G.
- To define and name various forms of P.I.F.G. based on etiological and clinical patterns.
- To facilitate clear communication and understanding among healthcare professionals regarding P.I.F.G.
Summary:
- P.I.F.G. is a complex condition with varied causes and developmental impacts.
- Recognizing the severity and progression of P.I.F.G. during gestation is essential.
- An etiological and clinical classification is proposed to standardize the understanding and management of P.I.F.G.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic accuracy for fetal growth restriction.
- Enhanced clinical management strategies for at-risk pregnancies.
- Better understanding of the long-term health implications for infants affected by P.I.F.G.
Abstract:
The "small-for-dates" babies are not a single entity but a heterogenous group. The condition has been attributed to many possible causes and mechanisms that many induce "poor fetal growth" in utero. Poor intrauterine fetal growth (P.I.F.G.) has been recognized to occur in many circumstances, can begin at various stages of pregnancy and be caused by several different factors. It was assessed that a reduction in fetal growth support can produce irreversible quantitative and qualitative deficiencies in the organs of the fetus and these deficiencies can play a significant role in perinatal pathology. The recognition of these forms at the right time, the knowledge of the criteria for evaluating their severity and their evolution during intrauterine life would seem to be preferable. Therefore, it is essential to define the various forms of P.I.F.G. during pregnancy to give them names, to define the patterns of P.I.F.G., which are seen in various maternal and/or fetal diseases or conditions, so that they can easily be referred to and understood by everyone. That is the purpose of the proposed etiologic and clinical classification of P.I.F.G.