Abstract
Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) designates a fetus that has not reached its growth potential because of genetic or environmental factors. The present study was conducted to assess the maternal risk factors leading to IUGR and the role of ultrasonography and Doppler findings in detecting IUGR in pregnant females presenting to our hospital.
Methodology: The present prospective study at a tertiary care hospital included 50 pregnant females with foetal growth restriction. Data such as demographic information, correct gestational age, parity, estimated fetal weight, ultrasound and Doppler findings were noted. Anthropometric measurements on ultrasonography were compared against the standard values suggested by Hadlock et al at different gestational periods.
Results: The most common risk factor for IUGR was pre-eclampsia (42%). Anaemia was present in 20% of the cases and no risk factor could be detected in 14% of the cases. Majority of the case had asymmetric growth restriction (84%) and 70% of the placenta on gross examination revealed calcifications. Approximately two thirds of the cases had amniotic fluid index between 7 to 9 cm and fundal height and abdominal girth was decreased in 82% of the cases each. Most common Doppler finding was bilateral or ipsilateral diastolic notches in uterine artery (34%). Mean BPD, AC and FL were found to be lower among our cases as compared to Hadlock’s standard values among cases of different gestational age.
Conclusions: Ultrasonography and Doppler studies can help in the timely detection of IUGR so that an obstetrician can plan the management accordingly.
Keywords: Doppler; fetal growth; Intrauterine growth restriction; ultrasonography.
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i11.28
