title: Fetal growth restriction: current knowledge to the general Obs/Gyn.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition that affects 5-10 % of gestations, and it is the second primary cause of perinatal mortality. In this review the most recent knowledge about FGR is presented focusing on its concept, etiology, classification, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Searches were conducted in Pubmed, Embase and Lilacs database using the term fetal growth restriction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  FGR is classified as type I (symmetric), manifested early, in which there is a proportional reduction of all fetal parts, generally associated with chromosome abnormalities; type II (asymmetric), with late onset, in which there is a more accentuated reduction of the abdomen, generally related to placental insufficiency; and type III (mixed), with early manifestation, resulting from infections or exposure to toxic agents. Diagnosis may be clinical, although ultrasound associated with arterial and venous Doppler is essential for diagnosis and follow-up. Currently there is no treatment capable of controlling FGR, and the moment of interruption of pregnancy is of vital importance in order to protect maternal and fetal interests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early diagnosis of FGR is very important, because it permits the etiological identification and adequate monitoring of fetal vitality, minimizing the risks related to prematurity and intrauterine hypoxia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. lunardozza@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Luciano Marcondes Machado
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Nardozza
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Araujo Júnior
authors.forename: Maurício Mendes
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: Ana Carolina Rabachini
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Caetano
authors.forename: Desireé Ji Re
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Antonio Fernandes
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Moron
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D015148:Cardiotocography; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal