Diagnosis of intrauterine growth retardation: the use of sequential measurements of fetal growth parameters.
Given the current widespread use of diagnostic ultrasound, it is important to identify exactly what information is desirable during the examination. Although dating the pregnancy might be the reason for the initial evaluation, it is important to examine the fetus for structural malformations as well. Both can be accomplished with a second-trimester scan. Once the pregnancy is accurately dated, subsequent measurements of the head, abdomen, and femur should be plotted on growth curves in relation to the age of the fetus, based on the earlier ultrasound examination. The patient should not be related with subsequent examinations. If asymmetric growth failure occurs, then intervention or maternal bed rest should be considered. Intervention should be considered in the presence of abnormal antepartum testing and when fetal growth has arrested following the institution of maternal bed rest. If symmetric IUGR is present, careful evaluation of the fetus for structural malformations and an abnormal karyotype should be considered.
DeVore
G R
GR
University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Platt
L D
LD
D000328:Adult; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D014463:Ultrasonography