Evaluation of fetal middle adrenal artery Doppler and fetal adrenal gland size in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction: a case-control study

Objectives This study aims to evaluate sonographic measurements of fetal adrenal gland size and middle adrenal artery Doppler in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and in a healthy control group. Methods This prospective study included 107 singleton pregnancies with FGR between 24 and 42 weeks of gestation and 107 pregnancies with fetuses whose growth was appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Adrenal gland size and Doppler parameters of the adrenal artery were measured and the values and obstetric outcomes were compared between the study and control groups. Results In the study group, the Z-scores of total adrenal width-length and height, fetal zone width-length and middle adrenal artery-peak systolic velocity (MAA-PSV) were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). The Z-scores of middle adrenal artery-pulsatility index (MAA-PI) were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p<0.05). The rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission in fetuses with high adrenal artery PI scores was higher in the FGR group (p<0.05). Conclusions In the present study, we observed decreased adrenal artery PI, increased adrenal blood flow, and increased fetal adrenal volume in fetuses diagnosed with fetal growth restriction, most likely in response to placental insufficiency and chronic hypoxia.

Automated summary

This study observed abnormal adrenal gland function in fetuses with FGR, which may be related to placental insufficiency and chronic hypoxia.