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Small-for-menstrual-age infants: different subgroups detected using individualized fetal growth assessment
N V Simon1, R L Deter, A D Kofinas
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, York Hospital, Pennsylvania 17405.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study identified four distinct fetal growth patterns in infants born small-for-gestational-age. These patterns help predict perinatal complications and understand individual fetal growth potential.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants represent a significant concern in perinatal medicine.
- Understanding individual fetal growth trajectories is crucial for identifying at-risk neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and categorize the individual fetal growth patterns of infants born small-for-gestational-age (SGA).
- To correlate these growth patterns with potential pathophysiological mechanisms and perinatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a validated growth model (P = c(t)k+s(t)) to generate individual fetal growth curves.
- Assessed second and third-trimester growth in 98 SGA infants.
- Compared growth indices with those of normally growing infants.
Main Results:
- Identified four distinct fetal growth patterns among SGA infants.
- These patterns reflect variations in second-trimester growth and the ability to achieve growth potential by birth.
- Observed associations between specific growth patterns, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and perinatal complication rates.
Conclusions:
- Individualized fetal growth assessment is key to differentiating normal genetic growth from growth failure.
- Fetuses failing to achieve their growth potential are at higher risk for fetal compromise.
- The identified growth patterns offer insights into SGA pathophysiology and clinical management.