Brain Volume and Doppler Velocimetry in Growth-Restricted, Small-for-Gestational-Age, and Appropriate-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses

Abstract

Objective This study aims to detect possible differences in fetal brain volumes between growth-restricted fetuses (FGR), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses with normal Doppler indices, and appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses (AGA).

Study Design Three-dimensional measurements of fetal brain volume and umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were made in 80 AGA fetuses, 68 SGA fetuses with normal Doppler indices, and 68 FGR with brain-sparing effect between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Results MCA-PI and MCA-RI were significantly lower in FGR group compared with the other two groups (p < 0.001). Brain volume was significantly lower in SGA and FGR groups compared with AGA group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Brain volume is significantly lower in SGA and FGR groups compared with AGA group.

Keywords

brain volume - Doppler - fetal growth restriction - small-for-gestational-age fetuses - appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses

• References

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