title: Fetal Growth Pattern and Prediction of Low Birth Weight in Gastroschisis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine growth patterns and predictions of low birth weight in gastroschisis fetuses.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective study of isolated fetal gastroschisis before week 24. Ultrasound fetal biometric parameters - head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length, HC/AC ratio and estimated fetal weight (EFW)--were plotted against normal growth charts. The percentage difference in mean values between normal and gastroschisis fetuses was determined. The growth deficit for each ultrasound parameter was calculated for the fetuses with 1 examination in each designated period (period I: weeks 20-25(+6); period II: weeks 26-31(+6); period III: from week 32 until term). For low birth weight prediction, measurements below the 10th percentile in periods I and II were tested.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy pregnancies were examined. For all fetal parameters, the mean measurements were lower in fetuses with gastroschisis (p < 0.005). The EFW revealed an increased growth deficit between the periods (p = 0.030). HC was predictive of low birth weight in period II (OR = 6.07; sensitivity = 70.8%; specificity = 71.4%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fetuses with gastroschisis present a reduced growth pattern, and it appears that no growth recovery occurs after the growth restriction has been established. Between week 26 and week 31(+6), an HC measurement below the 10th percentile is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo University Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Sandra F
authors: SF
authors: Centofanti
authors: Maria de Lourdes
authors: Mde L
authors: Brizot
authors: Adolfo W
authors: AW
authors: Liao
authors: Rossana P V
authors: RP
authors: Francisco
authors: Marcelo
authors: M
authors: Zugaib
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020139:Gastroschisis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult