Maternal hemodynamics for the identification of early fetal growth restriction in normotensive pregnancies

We aimed at testing systemic vascular resistance (SVR) for the correct identification of early fetal growth restriction (FGR). 61 normotensive patients, gestational age 29 + 0-32 + 0, with suspected diagnosis of early FGR, were submitted to USCOM and to an ultrasound evaluation. 24 patients met the criteria of FGR, and 9 patients developed umbilical artery Doppler alterations. SVR>1006 dyn s.cm(-5) correctly identified patients with a subsequent diagnosis of FGR, whereas SVR>1222 dyn s.cm(-5) was related to FGR with subsequent umbilical artery Doppler alterations. These data might be important to introduce USCOM in the clinical practice to identify and treat FGR.

Automated summary

This study aimed to test the accuracy of systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in identifying early fetal growth restriction (FGR). The findings showed that SVR levels could correctly identify patients who later developed FGR, as well as those with subsequent umbilical artery Doppler alterations. These results highlight the potential importance of introducing USCOM for the identification and treatment of FGR in clinical practice.