Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR): Clinical Management View PDF

^*Carlo Pafumi
Obstetric And Gynaecology, Santo Bambino Hospital, University Of Catania, Catania , Italy

^*Corresponding Author:

Carlo Pafumi
Obstetric And Gynaecology, Santo Bambino Hospital, University Of Catania, Catania , Italy
Email:pafumi@unict.it

Published on: 2014-01-31

Abstract

Lots of diagnostic procedures are assessed to evaluate intrauterine retardation (IUGR), among them ultrasounds are the most relevant ones. Foetal surveillance includes assessment of growth, detection of the Doppler blood flow and volume of amniotic fluid. There is an evidence of the association between IUGR and foetal blood perfusion. Pregnancies with early onset of IUGR remain a challenge not solved yet, even if the velocimetry of the foetal middle cerebral artery is considered mandatory for neurological risk when altered. In mid-late onset, IUGR cerebral and umbilical blood Doppler is useful to detect the potential damage of the foetus and avoid the hypoxic risk. Ductus venous flow is also an indicator of foetal jeopardy in case of abnormal umblical artery waves.

Keywords

IUGR; Doppler blood flow; Velocimetry; Umbilical artery; Middle cerebral artery

Introduction

Intrauterine growth retardation is considered a reduction of the foetal growth in comparison with a normal range. The so-called small for date foetuses includes three groups: Healthy small foetuses, Chromosomally abnormal foetuses, Foetuses suffering from utero-placental insufficiency leading to restriction in foetal growth.