Fetal growth retardation and structural anomalies.
Intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) is an important cause of perinatal death. The maternal chain seems to influence the birth weight and IUGR is also significantly associated with the presence of congenital malformation. To evaluate this association, a study was performed in all cases of IUGR collected over a period of 10 years. In 21.8% of the IUGR fetuses, one or more congenital malformations were found by level 3 ultrasound examination. The main defects were chromosomal anomalies and disorders of the renal- and central nervous tract. The advice is given to offer all pregnant women, not only those at risk for birth defects, an ultrasound examination at 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy to optimize the approach to delivery and to decrease the number of perinatal mortalities.
van Vugt
J M
JM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Karsdorp
V H
VH
van Zalen-Sprock
R M
RM
van Geijn
H P
HP
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000002:abnormalities; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000002:abnormalities; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities; D014463:Ultrasonography