Prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates: screening by uterine artery Doppler and mean arterial pressure at 35-37 weeks

Prediction of small-for-gestational age and fetal growth restriction at routine ultrasound examination at 35-37 weeks' gestation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of sonographic fetal biometry and Doppler parameters assessed at routine third-trimester ultrasound examination for predicting small-for-gestational age (SGA) and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing routine ultrasound examination between 35 + 0 and 37 + 6 weeks' gestation and delivered at St George's University Hospital, London, UK, between December 2019 and February 2024. The study outcomes were SGA (birth weight < 5th centile) and FGR (birth weight < 3rd centile or birth weight < 10th centile with composite adverse perinatal outcome). Composite adverse perinatal outcome comprised intrauterine death, neonatal death or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Demographic characteristics, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference centiles, as well as Doppler indices, including pulsatility indices (PI) of the umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and uterine artery (UtA) were evaluated. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was calculated, and all indices were converted to multiples of the median (MoM). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify and adjust for confounders. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the model's performance for predicting small neonates.

RESULTS

A total of 14 161 pregnancies were included in the study. The prevalence of SGA and FGR neonates was 3.1% and 1.5%, respectively. Independent predictors of SGA and FGR, respectively, were: EFW centile (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90-0.92); P < 0.001 and aOR 0.90 (95% CI, 0.89-0.91); P < 0.001); AC centile (aOR 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90-0.92); P < 0.001 and aOR 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90-0.92); P <0.001); UA-PI MoM (aOR 4.60 (95% CI, 2.19-9.64); P < 0.001 and aOR 2.53 (95% CI, 1.05-6.10); P = 0.038); MCA-PI MoM (aOR 0.37 (95% CI, 0.20-0.70); P = 0.002 and aOR 0.26 (95% CI, 0.12-0.59); P = 0.001); CPR MoM (aOR 0.23 (95% CI, 0.13-0.42); P < 0.001 and aOR 0.25 (95% CI, 0.12-0.53); P < 0.001); and UtA-PI MoM (aOR 2.54 (95% CI, 1.68-3.83); P < 0.001 and aOR 2.16 (95% CI, 1.31-3.58); P = 0.003). The EFW centile alone was associated with an AUC of 0.917 (95% CI, 0.907-0.929) for the prediction of SGA and 0.925 (95% CI, 0.908-0.939) for the prediction of FGR. This was similar to AUCs of around 0.92 for the prediction of SGA and AUCs of around 0.93 for the prediction of FGR when the EFW centile was combined with any Doppler parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographic fetal biometry evaluation in the late third trimester can predict delivery of a neonate affected by SGA or FGR, including those at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. In an unselected population, fetal arterial Doppler parameters were independent predictors of SGA and FGR, but the addition of Doppler parameters to fetal biometry did not improve prediction of the incidence of small neonates. © 2025 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Uterine artery Doppler in early labor and perinatal outcome in low-risk term pregnancy: prospective multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

The prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes in low-risk pregnancies is poor, mainly owing to the lack of reliable biomarkers. Uterine artery (UtA) Doppler is closely associated with placental function and may facilitate the peripartum detection of subclinical placental insufficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of mean UtA pulsatility index (PI) measured in early labor with obstetric intervention for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise and adverse perinatal outcome in uncomplicated singleton term pregnancies.

METHODS

This was a prospective multicenter observational study conducted across four tertiary maternity units. Low-risk term pregnancies with spontaneous onset of labor were included. The mean UtA-PI was recorded between uterine contractions in women admitted for early labor and converted into multiples of the median (MoM). The primary outcome of the study was the occurrence of obstetric intervention, i.e. Cesarean section or instrumental delivery, for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of adverse perinatal outcomes, including 5-min Apgar score < 7, low cord arterial pH, raised cord arterial base excess, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and postnatal diagnosis of small-for-gestational-age fetus. Composite adverse perinatal outcome was defined as the occurrence of at least one of the following: acidemia in the umbilical artery, defined as pH < 7.10 and/or base excess > 12 mmol/L, 5-min Apgar score < 7 or admission to the NICU.

RESULTS

Overall, 804 women were included, of whom 40 (5.0%) had abnormal mean UtA-PI MoM. Women who had an obstetric intervention for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise were more frequently nulliparous (72.2% vs 53.6%; P = 0.008), had a higher frequency of increased mean UtA-PI MoM (13.0% vs 4.4%; P = 0.005) and had a longer duration of labor (456 ± 221 vs 371 ± 192 min; P = 0.01). On logistic regression analysis, only increased mean UtA-PI MoM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.48 (95% CI, 1.43-8.47); P = 0.006) and parity (aOR, 0.45 (95% CI, 0.24-0.86); P = 0.015) were independently associated with obstetric intervention for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise. Increased mean UtA-PI MoM was associated with a sensitivity of 0.13 (95% CI, 0.05-0.25), specificity of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94-0.97), positive predictive value of 0.18 (95% CI, 0.07-0.33), negative predictive value of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.95), positive likelihood ratio of 2.95 (95% CI, 1.37-6.35) and negative likelihood ratio of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82-1.01) for obstetric intervention for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise. Pregnancies with increased mean UtA-PI MoM also showed a higher incidence of birth weight < 10th percentile (20.0% vs 6.7%; P = 0.002), NICU admission (7.5% vs 1.2%; P = 0.001) and composite adverse perinatal outcome (15.0% vs 5.1%; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Our study, conducted in a cohort of low-risk term pregnancies enrolled in early spontaneous labor, showed an independent association between increased mean UtA-PI and obstetric intervention for suspected intrapartum fetal compromise, albeit with moderate capacity to rule in, and poor capacity to rule out, this condition. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Isolated Single Umbilical Artery: Incidence, Risk Factors and Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes

Objectives: To assess the incidence of prenatally diagnosed isolated single umbilical artery (iSUA) and its impact on major pregnancy outcomes, as well as to investigate potential risk factors. Materials and methods: A prospective study of singleton pregnancies, undergoing routine anomaly scans at 20⁺⁰-24⁺⁰ weeks of gestation, was carried out from 2018 to 2022. The effect of sonographically detected iSUA on small-for-gestational-age neonates (SGA) and preterm delivery (PTD) was evaluated using parameterized Student's t-test, nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression models were implemented to assess the independent association between iSUA and the main outcomes, as well as with potential risk factors, while adjusting for specific confounders. Results: The study population included 6528 singleton pregnancies and the incidence of prenatally diagnosed iSUA was 1.3%. Prenatally diagnosed iSUA had a statistically significant association with both SGA neonates (aOR: 1.909; 95% CI: 1.152-3.163) and PTD (aOR: 1.903; 95% CI: 1.035-3.498), while no association was identified between this sonographic finding and preeclampsia. With regard to risk factors, conception via assisted reproductive technology (ART) was associated with increased risk of iSUA (aOR: 2.234; 95% CI: 1.104-4.523), while no other independent predictor for the development of this anatomical variation was identified. Conclusions: Prenatally diagnosed iSUA seems to be associated with a higher incidence of SGA and PTD and is more common in pregnancies following ART, which constitutes a novel finding.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction-Prediction and Peripartum Data on Hospital Care

Background and Objectives: We aimed to prospectively obtain data on pregnancies complicated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit of the Emergency County Hospital of Craiova. We collected the demographic data of mothers, the prenatal ultrasound (US) features, the intrapartum data, and the immediate postnatal data of newborns. We aimed to assess the detection rates of IUGR fetuses (the performance of the US in estimating the actual neonatal birth weight), to describe the prenatal care pattern in our unit, and to establish predictors for the number of total hospitalization days needed postnatally. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from cases diagnosed with IUGR undergoing prenatal care in our hospital. We compared the percentile of estimated fetal weight (EFW) using the Hadlock 4 technique with the percentile of weight at birth. We retrospectively performed a regression analysis to correlate the variables predicting the number of hospitalization days. Results: Data on 111 women were processed during the period of 1 September 2019-1 September 2022. We confirmed the significant differences in US features between early- (Eo) and late-onset (Lo) IUGR cases. The detection rates were higher if the EFW was lower, and Eo-IUGR was associated with a higher number of US scans. We obtained a mathematical formula for estimating the total number of hospitalization days needed postnatally. Conclusion: Early- and late-onset IUGR have different US features prenatally and different postnatal outcomes. If the US EFW percentile is lower, a prenatal diagnosis is more likely to be made, and a closer follow-up is offered in our hospital. The total number of hospitalization days may be predicted using intrapartum and immediate postnatal data in both groups, having the potential to optimize the final financial costs and to organize the neonatal department efficiently.

Fetal Growth Restriction Is Associated with Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A and Uterine Artery Doppler in First Trimester

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. The early prediction may be important to establish treatment options and improve neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the association of parameters used in first-trimester screening, uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index and the development of FGR. In this retrospective cohort study, 1930 singleton pregnancies prenatally diagnosed with an estimated fetal weight under the third percentile were included. All women underwent first-trimester screening assessing maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), free beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin levels, fetal nuchal translucency and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI). We constructed a Receiver Operating Characteristics curve to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of early diagnosis of FGR. In pregnancies with FGR, PAPP-A was significantly lower, and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index was significantly higher compared with the normal birth weight group (0.79 ± 0.38 vs. 1.15 ± 0.59, p < 0.001 and 1.82 ± 0.7 vs. 1.55 ± 0.47, p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that PAPP-A levels and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index were significantly associated with FGR (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01, respectively). To conclude, these two parameters can predict FGR < 3rd percentile.

Third trimester uterine artery Doppler for prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Abnormal uterine artery Doppler (UtAD) studies early in gestation have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, their association with complications in the third trimester is weak. We aim to review the prediction ability for perinatal complications of these indices in the third trimester.

RECENT FINDINGS

Abnormal UtAD waveforms in the third trimester are associated with preeclampsia, small-for-gestational age infants (SGA), preterm birth, perinatal death, and other perinatal complications, such as cesarean section for fetal distress, 5 min low Apgar score, low umbilical artery pH, and neonatal admission to the ICU, particularly in SGA infants. UtAD prediction performance is improved by the addition of maternal characteristics as well as biochemical markers to prediction models and is more precise if the evaluation is made closer to delivery or diagnosis.

SUMMARY

This review shows that the prediction accuracy of UtAD for adverse pregnancy outcomes during the third trimester is moderate at best. UtAD have limited additive value to prediction models that include PlGF and sFlt-1. Serial assessments rather than a single third trimester evaluation may enhance the prediction performance of the UtAD combined models.

Prediction of late-onset fetal growth restriction by umbilical artery velocities at 37 weeks of gestation: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the predictive capacity of umbilical artery (UA) velocities at 37 weeks of gestation in identifying fetal growth restriction (FGR).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively recruited 569 fetuses in the study. Thirty-nine FGR infants and 57 small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants with normal UA Doppler at 37 weeks, as the study groups and 473 adequate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants as a control group in a tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

All the parameters of UA velocities, including the UA end-diastolic velocity (UA-EDV), UA peak systolic velocity (UA-PSV), UA mean diastolic velocity (UA-MDV) and UA time-averaged maximum velocity (UA-TAMXV), and UA Doppler were measured at approximately 37 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

Among the FGR, SGA and AGA groups, the UA-MDV, UA-TAMXV, UA-PSV and UA-EDV decreased with the loss of fetal weight. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the UA-TAMXV was an independent predicting factor of FGR. It had a moderate predictive value for FGR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79 to 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

The UA velocities decreased with the loss of fetal weight among the FGR, SGA and AGA groups and the UA-TAMXV was independently predictive of FGR. The results suggest that the UA-TAMXV might be a new parameter to predict FGR prior to delivery.

Ophthalmic artery Doppler at 19-23 weeks' gestation in pregnancies that deliver small-for-gestational-age neonates

OBJECTIVES

First, to explore hemodynamic differences between pregnancies delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate in the absence of hypertensive disorders and those that develop pre-eclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH), by comparing the ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio and first (PSV1) and second (PSV2) PSV at 19-23 weeks' gestation, and second, to compare these pregnancies for markers of placental perfusion and function.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study in women attending for a routine hospital visit at 19 + 1 to 23 + 3 weeks' gestation. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, ultrasound examination for assessment of fetal anatomy and growth, and measurement of maternal ophthalmic artery PSV ratio, PSV1, PSV2, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and serum placental growth factor (PlGF). The values of PSV ratio, PSV1, PSV2, MAP, UtA-PI and PlGF were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) or deltas. Mean MoMs or deltas of these biomarkers in the SGA, PE and GH groups were compared with those in the unaffected group. The definition of SGA was birth weight below the 10^th percentile in the absence of PE or GH.

RESULTS

The study population of 5214 pregnancies contained 4375 (83.9%) that were unaffected by SGA, PE or GH, 563 (10.8%) complicated by SGA, 157 (3.0%) with PE and 119 (2.3%) with GH. There were three main findings of the study. First, in the SGA, PE and GH groups, compared with unaffected pregnancies, the PSV ratio delta, PSV2 MoM, MAP MoM and UtA-PI MoM were increased and PlGF MoM was decreased; however, the magnitude of most changes was smaller in the SGA group than in PE and GH groups. Second, in the PE and GH groups, but not in the SGA group, PSV1 MoM was increased. Third, in general, in the pathological pregnancies, the magnitude of deviation of biomarkers from unaffected pregnancies was greater for those delivering at < 37 than at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSION

In mid-gestation, pregnancies that subsequently develop hypertensive disorders and those delivering a SGA neonate, compared with unaffected pregnancies, have abnormal uteroplacental measurements and increased maternal ophthalmic artery PSV ratio. These data suggest similar pathophysiology in the two conditions, with evidence of placental dysfunction and increased peripheral vascular resistance, but the magnitude of abnormalities is greater in hypertensive disorders. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Ophthalmic artery Doppler at 35-37 weeks' gestation in pregnancies with small or growth-restricted fetuses

OBJECTIVES

First, to compare the ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio at 35-37 weeks' gestation among women who delivered small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or growth-restricted (FGR) neonates in the absence of hypertensive disorders, women who developed pre-eclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH) and those without SGA, FGR, PE or GH. Second, to examine the association of PSV ratio with placental growth factor (PlGF) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Third, to assess the associations of PSV ratio, PlGF and MAP with birth-weight Z-score and percentile.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study in women attending for a routine hospital visit at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, ultrasound examination of fetal anatomy and growth, and measurement of maternal ophthalmic artery PSV ratio, first (PSV1) and second (PSV2) peaks of systolic velocity, MAP and serum PlGF. The values of PSV ratio, MAP and PlGF were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) or delta values, and the median MoM or delta of these variables in the SGA, FGR, PE and GH groups were compared with those in the unaffected group. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of PSV ratio delta, PlGF MoM and MAP MoM with birth-weight Z-score after exclusion of PE and GH cases. Regression analysis was also used to examine the association of PSV ratio delta with log₁₀ PlGF MoM and log₁₀ MAP MoM.

RESULTS

The study population included 2287 pregnancies, of which 1954 (85.4%) were not affected by FGR, SGA, PE or GH, 49 (2.1%) were complicated by FGR in the absence of PE or GH, 160 (7.0%) had SGA in the absence of FGR, PE or GH, 60 (2.6%) had PE and 64 (2.8%) had GH. Compared with unaffected pregnancies, in both the FGR and SGA groups, the means of PSV ratio delta (0.042 (95% CI, 0.007-0.076) and 0.032 (95% CI, 0.016-0.049), respectively) and MAP MoM (1.028 (95% CI, 1.006-1.050) and 1.048 (95% CI, 1.035-1.060), respectively) were increased, while the mean of PlGF MoM was decreased (0.495 (95% CI, 0.393-0.622) and 0.648 (95% CI, 0.562-0.747), respectively). However, the magnitude of these changes was smaller than in the PE and GH groups. Ophthalmic artery waveform analysis revealed that the predominant feature of pregnancies complicated by SGA in the absence of hypertensive disorders was a reduction in PSV1, whereas, in those with hypertensive disorders, there was an increase in PSV2. In non-hypertensive pregnancies, there were linear inverse associations of PSV ratio delta and MAP MoM with birth-weight Z-score, with increased values in small neonates and decreased values in large neonates. There was a quadratic relationship between PlGF MoM and birth-weight Z-score, with low PlGF levels in small neonates and high PlGF levels in large neonates. There was a significant correlation of ophthalmic artery PSV ratio delta with both log₁₀ MAP MoM (0.124 (95% CI, 0.069-0.178)) and log₁₀ PlGF MoM (-0.238 (95% CI, -0.289 to -0.185)).

CONCLUSION

Assuming that the ophthalmic artery PSV ratio is a reflection of the interplay between cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, the linear association between PSV ratio and birth-weight Z-score in non-hypertensive pregnancies suggests the presence of a continuous physiological relationship between fetal size and cardiovascular response rather than a dichotomous relationship between high peripheral resistance and low cardiac output in small compared with non-small fetuses. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Role of Doppler ultrasound at time of diagnosis of late-onset fetal growth restriction in predicting adverse perinatal outcome: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancies complicated by late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) are at increased risk of short- and long-term morbidities. Despite this, identification of cases at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome, at the time of FGR diagnosis, is challenging. The aims of this study were to elucidate the strength of association between fetoplacental Doppler indices at the time of diagnosis of late-onset FGR and adverse perinatal outcome, and to determine their predictive accuracy.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR. Late-onset FGR was defined as estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) < 3rd centile, or EFW or AC < 10th centile and umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) > 95th centile or cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) < 5th centile, diagnosed after 32 weeks. EFW, uterine artery PI, UA-PI, fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI, CPR and umbilical vein blood flow normalized for fetal abdominal circumference (UVBF/AC) were recorded at the time of the diagnosis of FGR. Doppler variables were expressed as Z-scores for gestational age. Composite adverse perinatal outcome was defined as the occurrence of at least one of emergency Cesarean section for fetal distress, 5-min Apgar score < 7, umbilical artery pH < 7.10 and neonatal admission to the special care unit. Logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate the strength of association between different ultrasound parameters and composite adverse perinatal outcome, and receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis was used to determine their predictive accuracy.

RESULTS

In total, 243 consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR were included. Composite adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 32.5% (95% CI, 26.7-38.8%) of cases. In pregnancies with composite adverse perinatal outcome, compared with those without, mean uterine artery PI Z-score (2.23 ± 1.34 vs 1.88 ± 0.89, P = 0.02) was higher, while Z-scores of UVBF/AC (-1.93 ± 0.88 vs -0.89 ± 0.94, P ≤ 0.0001), MCA-PI (-1.56 ± 0.93 vs -1.22 ± 0.84, P = 0.004) and CPR (-1.89 ± 1.12 vs -1.44 ± 1.02, P = 0.002) were lower. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, Z-scores of mean uterine artery PI (P = 0.04), CPR (P = 0.002) and UVBF/AC (P = 0.001) were associated independently with composite adverse perinatal outcome. UVBF/AC Z-score had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.723 (95% CI, 0.64-0.80) for composite adverse perinatal outcome, demonstrating better accuracy than that of mean uterine artery PI Z-score (AUC, 0.593; 95% CI, 0.50-0.69) and CPR Z-score (AUC, 0.615; 95% CI, 0.52-0.71). A multiparametric prediction model including Z-scores of MCA-PI, uterine artery PI and UVBF/AC had an AUC of 0.745 (95% CI, 0.66-0.83) for the prediction of composite adverse perinatal outcome.

CONCLUSION

While CPR and uterine artery PI assessed at the time of diagnosis are associated independently with composite adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR, their diagnostic performance for composite adverse perinatal outcome is low. UVBF/AC showed better accuracy for prediction of composite adverse perinatal outcome, although its usefulness in clinical practice as a standalone predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome requires further research. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Value of routine ultrasound examination at 35-37 weeks' gestation in diagnosis of fetal abnormalities

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential value of routine ultrasound examination at 35-37 weeks' gestation in the diagnosis of previously unknown fetal abnormalities.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 52 400 singleton pregnancies attending for a routine ultrasound examination at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation; all pregnancies had a previous scan at 18-24 weeks and 47 214 also had a scan at 11-13 weeks. We included pregnancies resulting in live birth or stillbirth but excluded those with known chromosomal abnormality. Abnormalities were classified according to the affected major organ system, and the type and incidence of new abnormalities were determined.

RESULTS

In the study population, the incidence of fetal abnormality was 1.9% (995/52 400), including 674 (67.7%) that had been diagnosed previously during the first and/or second trimester, 247 (24.8%) that were detected for the first time at 35-37 weeks and 74 (7.4%) that were detected for the first time postnatally. The most common abnormalities that were diagnosed during the first and/or second trimester and that were also observed at 35-37 weeks included ventricular septal defect, talipes, unilateral renal agenesis and/or pelvic kidney, hydronephrosis, duplex kidney, unilateral multicystic kidney, congenital pulmonary airway malformation, ventriculomegaly, cleft lip and palate, polydactyly and abdominal cyst or gastroschisis. The most common abnormalities first seen at 35-37 weeks were hydronephrosis, mild ventriculomegaly, ventricular septal defect, duplex kidney, ovarian cyst and arachnoid cyst. The incidence of abnormalities first seen at 35-37 weeks was 0.5% and those that were detected exclusively for the first time at this examination were ovarian cyst, microcephaly, achondroplasia, dacryocystocele and hematocolpos. The incidence of abnormalities first seen postnatally was 0.1% and the most common were isolated cleft palate, polydactyly or syndactyly and ambiguous genitalia or hypospadias; prenatal examination of the genitalia was not a compulsory part of the protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of fetal abnormalities are detected for the first time during a routine ultrasound examination at 35-37 weeks' gestation. Such diagnosis and subsequent management, including selection of timing and place for delivery and postnatal investigations, could potentially improve postnatal outcome. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Screening for small-for-gestational-age fetuses

INTRODUCTION

It is well established that correct antenatal identification of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses reduces their risk of adverse perinatal outcome with long-term consequences. Ultrasound estimates of fetal weight (EFW_us ) are the ultimate tool for this identification. It can be conducted as a "universal screening", that is, all pregnant women at a specific gestational age. However, in Denmark it is conducted as "selective screening", that is, only on clinical indication. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the Danish national SGA screening program and the consequences of false-positive and false-negative SGA cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 2928 women with singleton pregnancies with due dates in 2015. We defined "risk of SGA" by an EFW_us  ≤ -15% of expected for the gestational age and "SGA" as birthweight ≤-22% of expected for gestational age.

RESULTS

At birth, the prevalence of SGA was 3.3%. The overall sensitivity of the Danish screening program was 62% at a false-positive rate of 5.6%. Within the entire cohort, 63% had an EFW_us compared with 79% of the SGA cases. The sensitivity was 79% for those born before 37 weeks of gestation but only 40% for those born after 40 weeks of gestation. The sensitivity was also associated with birthweight deviation; 73% among extreme SGA cases (birthweight deviation ≤-33%) and 55% among mild SGA (birthweight deviation between -22% and -27%). False diagnosis of SGA was associated with an increased rate of induction of labor (OR_adj  = 2.51, 95% CI 1.70-3.71) and cesarean section (OR_adj  = 1.44, 95% CI 0.96-2.18).

CONCLUSIONS

The performance of the Danish national screening program for SGA based on selective EFW_us on clinical indication has improved considerably over the last 20 years. Limitations of the program are the large proportion of women referred to ultrasound scan and the low performance post-term.

Fetal Growth Restriction Prediction: How to Move beyond

The actual burden and future burden of the small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies turn their screening in pregnancy a question of major concern for clinicians and policymakers. Half of stillbirths are due to growth restriction in utero, and possibly, a quarter of livebirths of low- and middle-income countries are SGA. Growing body of evidence shows their higher risk of adverse outcomes at any period of life, including increased rates of neurologic delay, noncommunicable chronic diseases (central obesity and metabolic syndrome), and mortality. Although there is no consensus regarding its definition, birthweight centile threshold, or follow-up, we believe birthweight <10th centile is the most suitable cutoff for clinical and epidemiological purposes. Maternal clinical factors have modest predictive accuracy; being born SGA appears to be of transgenerational heredity. Addition of ultrasound parameters improves prediction models, especially using estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Placental growth factor levels are decreased in SGA pregnancies, and it is the most promising biomarker in differentiating angiogenesis-related SGA from other causes. Unfortunately, however, only few societies recommend universal screening. SGA evaluation is the first step of a multidimensional approach, which includes adequate management and long-term follow-up of these newborns. Apart from only meliorating perinatal outcomes, we hypothesize SGA screening is a key for socioeconomic progress.

Biomarkers of impaired placentation at 35-37 weeks' gestation in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential value of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and serum levels of the angiogenic placental growth factor (PlGF) and the antiangiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and non-SGA neonates at 35-37 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of 19 209 singleton pregnancies attending for a routine hospital visit at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, sonographic estimation of fetal weight, color Doppler ultrasound for measurement of mean UtA-PI, and measurement of serum concentrations of PlGF and sFlt-1. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine which of the factors from maternal or pregnancy characteristics and measurements of UtA-PI, PlGF and sFlt-1 provided a significant contribution in the prediction of each of four adverse outcome measures: first, stillbirth; second, Cesarean delivery for suspected fetal compromise in labor; third, neonatal death or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy Grade 2 or 3; and, fourth, admission to the neonatal unit (NNU) for ≥ 48 h. Predicted probabilities from logistic regression analysis were used to construct receiver-operating characteristics curves to assess the performance of screening for these adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

First, 83% of stillbirths, 82% of Cesarean sections for presumed fetal compromise in labor, 91% of cases of neonatal death or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and 86% of NNU admissions for ≥ 48 h occurred in pregnancies with a non-SGA neonate. Second, UtA-PI > 95^th percentile, sFlt-1 > 95^th percentile and PlGF < 5^th percentile were associated with increased risk of Cesarean delivery for suspected fetal compromise in labor and NNU admission for ≥ 48 h; the number of stillbirths and cases of neonatal death or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was too small to demonstrate significance in the observed differences from cases without these adverse outcomes. Third, multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that, in the prediction of Cesarean delivery for suspected fetal compromise in labor, there was no significant contribution from biomarkers; the prediction of NNU admission for ≥ 48 h by maternal demographic characteristics and medical history was only marginally improved by the addition of sFlt-1 or PlGF. Fourth, for each biomarker, the detection rate of adverse outcome was higher in SGA than in non-SGA neonates, but this increase was accompanied by an increase in false-positive rate. Fifth, the relative risk of UtA-PI > 95^th , sFlt-1 > 95^th and PlGF < 5^th percentiles for most adverse outcomes was < 2.5 in both SGA and non-SGA neonates.

CONCLUSIONS

In pregnancies undergoing routine antenatal assessment at 35-37 weeks' gestation, measurements of UtA-PI, sFlt-1 or PlGF provide poor prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in both SGA and non-SGA fetuses. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prediction of small for gestational age neonates: screening by maternal factors, fetal biometry, and biomarkers at 35-37 weeks' gestation

BACKGROUND

Small for gestational age (SGA) neonates are at increased risk for perinatal mortality and morbidity; however, the risks can be substantially reduced if the condition is identified prenatally, because in such cases close monitoring and appropriate timing of delivery and prompt neonatal care can be undertaken. The traditional approach of identifying pregnancies with SGA fetuses is maternal abdominal palpation and serial measurements of symphysial-fundal height, but the detection rate of this approach is less than 30%. A higher performance of screening for SGA is achieved by sonographic fetal biometry during the third trimester; screening at 30-34 weeks' gestation identifies about 80% of SGA neonates delivering preterm but only 50% of those delivering at term, at a screen-positive rate of 10%. There is some evidence that routine ultrasound examination at 36 weeks' gestation is more effective than that at 32 weeks in predicting birth of SGA neonates.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential value of maternal characteristics and medical history, sonographically estimated fetal weight (EFW) and biomarkers of impaired placentation at 35⁺⁰- 36⁺⁶ weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of SGA neonates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A dataset of 19,209 singleton pregnancies undergoing screening at 35⁺⁰-36⁺⁶ weeks' gestation was divided into a training set and a validation set. The training dataset was used to develop models from multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether the addition of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), umbilical artery PI (UA-PI), fetal middle cerebral artery PI (MCA-PI), maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT) would improve the performance of maternal factors and EFW in the prediction of delivery of SGA neonates. The models were then tested in the validation dataset to assess performance of screening.

RESULTS

First, in the training dataset, in the SGA group, compared to those with birthweight in ≥10th percentile, the median multiple of the median (MoM) values of PlGF and MCA-PI were reduced, whereas UtA-PI, UA-PI, and sFLT were increased. Second, multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that in the prediction of SGA in <10th percentile there were significant contributions from maternal factors, EFW Z-score, UtA-PI MoM, MCA-PI MoM, and PlGF MoM. Third, in the validation dataset, prediction of 90% of SGA neonates delivering within 2 weeks of assessment was achieved by a screen-positive rate of 67% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64-70%) in screening by maternal factors, 23% (95% CI, 20-26%) by maternal factors, and EFW and 21% (95% CI, 19-24%) by the addition of biomarkers. Fourth, prediction of 90% of SGA neonates delivering at any stage after assessment was achieved by a screen-positive rate of 66% (95% CI, 65-67%) in screening by maternal factors, 32% (95% CI, 31-33%) by maternal factors and EFW and 30% (95% CI, 29-31%) by the addition of biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

The addition of biomarkers of impaired placentation only marginally improves the predictive performance for delivery of SGA neonates achieved by maternal factors and fetal biometry at 35⁺⁰-36⁺⁶ weeks' gestation.

Prediction of small-for-gestational age by fetal growth rate according to gestational age

BACKGROUND

Small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants should be identified before birth because of an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of fetal growth rate by gestational age on the prediction of SGA and to identify the optimal time to initiate intensive fetal monitoring to detect SGA in low-risk women. We also sought to determine which the ultrasonographic parameters that contribute substantially to the birthweight determination.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 442 healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies. There were 328 adequate-for-gestational age (AGA) neonates and 114 SGA infants delivered between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks of gestation. We compared the biparietal diameters (BPD), head circumferences (HC), abdominal circumferences (AC), femur lengths (FL), and estimated fetal weights (EFW) obtained on each ultrasound to determine which of these parameters was the best indicator of SGA. We created receiver operating characteristic curves, calculated the areas under the curves (AUCs), and analyzed the data using multivariable logistic regressions to assess the ultrasound screening performances and identify the best predictive factor.

RESULTS

Among the four ultrasonographic parameters, the AC measurement between 24+0~28+6 weeks achieved a sensitivity of 79.5% and a specificity of 71.7%, with an AUC of 0.806 in the prediction of SGA. AC showed consistently higher AUCs above 0.8 with 64~80% sensitivities as gestational age progressed. EFW measurements from 33+0~35+6 gestational weeks achieved a sensitivity of 60.6% and a specificity of 87.6%, with an AUC of 0.826. In a conditional growth model developed from the linear mixed regression, the value differences between AC and EFW in the SGA and AGA groups became even more pronounced after 33+0~35+6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Healthy low-risk women with a low fetal AC after 24 weeks' gestation need to be monitored carefully for fetal growth to identify SGA infants with a risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.

Third trimester uterine artery Doppler indices as predictors of preeclampsia and neonatal small for gestational age

Objective: To test the hypothesis that third-trimester uterine artery Doppler (UAD) predicts adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a high-risk population.Study design: This is a nested case control study of women with singleton gestations referred for a fetal growth ultrasound between 24 and 36 weeks. Third-trimester UAD was performed if estimated fetal weight (Hadlock's chart) was <20th percentile as these patients were considered high risk for poor pregnancy outcomes. The primary outcomes assessed were neonatal small for gestational age (SGA) and hypertensive disorders. Secondary outcomes included pH <7.10, NICU admission, Apgar <7 at 5 minutes, respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycemia, and a composite (presence of one or more of the secondary outcomes) neonatal adverse outcome. The sensitivity and specificity of the UAD indices for predicting these outcomes were compared.Results: Among 200 women included, neonatal SGA occurred in 91 (46%) neonates, preeclampsia in 21 (10.5%), early preeclampsia in 4 (2%) and a composite adverse outcome in 67 (34%) neonates. Abnormal UAD indices, specifically left uterine artery notching and pulsatile index (PI) >95th percentile, were significantly correlated with an increased relative risk (RR) of a number of outcomes. Left uterine artery notching was significantly associated with SGA, RR 1.76 (1.03-3.04), preeclampsia, RR 2.53 (1.47-4.37) and early preeclampsia, RR 2.88 (1.34-6.20). The PI >95th percentile was significantly associated with SGA, RR 1.83 (1.21-2.76), NICU admission, RR 1.79 (1.14-2.79), preeclampsia, RR 1.98 (1.29-3.03), and early preeclampsia, RR 3.13 (2.54-3.86). The mean UAD PI >95th percentile had the best sensitivity for SGA, but the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was modest (0.60, 95% CI = 0.53-0.67). Left uterine artery notching and PI >95th percentile had similar predictive utility for preeclampsia AUC 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53-0.76 (mean uterine artery PI >95th percentile) and AUC 0.66, 95% CI = 0.54-0.77 (left uterine artery notching).Conclusion: Abnormal third-trimester UAD indices are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes including neonatal SGA, preeclampsia, and early preeclampsia. Though statistically significantly correlated, the predictive value of UAD indices for adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes was modest.

Prediction and prevention of small-for-gestational-age neonates: evidence from SPREE and ASPRE

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of first-trimester screening for pre-eclampsia (PE) on the prediction of delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate and the effect of prophylactic use of aspirin on the prevention of SGA.

METHODS

The data for this study were derived from two multicenter studies. In SPREE, we investigated the performance of screening for PE by a combination of maternal characteristics and biomarkers at 11-13 weeks' gestation. In ASPRE, women with a singleton pregnancy identified by combined screening as being at high risk for preterm PE (> 1 in 100) participated in a trial of aspirin (150 mg/day from 11-14 until 36 weeks' gestation) compared to placebo. In this study, we used the data from the ASPRE trial to estimate the effect of aspirin on the incidence of SGA with birth weight < 10^th , < 5^th and < 3^rd percentile for gestational age. We also used the data from SPREE to estimate the proportion of SGA in the pregnancies with a risk for preterm PE of > 1 in 100.

RESULTS

In SPREE, screening for preterm PE by a combination of maternal factors, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index and serum placental growth factor identified a high-risk group that contained about 46% of SGA neonates < 10^th percentile born at < 37 weeks' gestation (preterm) and 56% of those born at < 32 weeks (early); the overall screen-positive rate was 12.2% (2014 of 16 451 pregnancies). In the ASPRE trial, use of aspirin reduced the overall incidence of SGA < 10^th percentile by about 40% in babies born at < 37 weeks' gestation and by about 70% in babies born at < 32 weeks; in babies born at ≥ 37 weeks, aspirin did not have a significant effect on incidence of SGA. The aspirin-related decrease in incidence of SGA was mainly due to its incidence decreasing in pregnancies with PE, for which the decrease was about 70% in babies born at < 37 weeks' gestation and about 90% in babies born at < 32 weeks. On the basis of these results, it was estimated that first-trimester screening for preterm PE and use of aspirin in the high-risk group would potentially reduce the incidence of preterm and early SGA by about 20% and 40%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

First-trimester screening for PE by the combined test identifies a high proportion of cases of preterm SGA that can be prevented by the prophylactic use of aspirin. © 2018 Crown copyright. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology © 2018 ISUOG.

Fractional fetal thigh volume in the prediction of normal and abnormal fetal growth during the third trimester of pregnancy

Background

Currently, 2-dimensional ultrasound estimation of fetal size rather than fetal growth is used to define fetal growth restriction, but single estimates in late pregnancy lack sensitivity and may identify small for gestational age rather than growth restriction. Single or longitudinal measures of 3-dimensional fractional thigh volume may address this problem.

Objective

We sought to derive normal values for 3-dimensional fractional thigh volume in the third trimester, determine if fractional thigh volume is superior to 2-dimensional ultrasound biometry alone for detecting fetal growth restriction, and determine whether individualized growth assessment parameters have the potential to identify fetal growth restriction remote from term delivery.

Study Design

This was a longitudinal prospective cohort study of 115 unselected pregnancies in a tertiary referral unit (St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom). Standard 2-dimensional ultrasound biometry measurements were obtained, along with fractional thigh volume measurements (based on 50% of the femoral diaphysis length). Measurements were used to calculate estimated fetal weight (Hadlock). Individualized growth assessment parameters and percentage deviations in longitudinally measured biometrics were determined using a Web-based system (iGAP; http://iGAP.research.bcm.edu). Small for gestational age was defined <10th and fetal growth restriction <3rd customized birthweight centile. Logistic regression was used to compare estimated fetal weight (Hadlock), estimated fetal weight (biparietal diameter–abdominal circumference–fractional thigh volume), fractional thigh volume, and abdominal circumference for the prediction of small for gestational age or fetal growth restriction at birth. Screening performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

There was a better correlation between fractional thigh volume and estimated fetal weight ((biparietal diameter–abdominal circumference–fractional thigh volume) obtained at 34-36 weeks with birthweight than between 2-dimensional biometry measures such as abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight (Hadlock). There was also a modest improvement in the detection of both small for gestational age and fetal growth restriction using fractional thigh volume–derived measures compared to standard 2-dimensional measurements (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.94, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.99, respectively).

Conclusion

Fractional thigh volume measurements offer some improvement over 2-dimensional biometry for the detection of late-onset fetal growth restriction at 34-36 weeks.

Prediction of delivery of small-for-gestational-age neonates and adverse perinatal outcome by fetoplacental Doppler at 37 weeks' gestation

OBJECTIVE

To explore the predictive capacity of fetoplacental Doppler at 37 weeks' gestation in identifying small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and adverse perinatal outcome.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing ultrasound assessment at 37 weeks. At study inclusion, biometry for estimated fetal weight (EFW), and fetoplacental Doppler variables (uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and umbilical vein blood flow (UVBF) normalized by EFW) were measured. SGA was defined as a customized birth weight between the 3^rd and 10^th centiles, and FGR was defined as a birth weight < 3^rd centile, according to local standards. Adverse perinatal outcomes included emergency Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score < 7 and neonatal acidosis at birth.

RESULTS

A total of 946 pregnancies were included in the study. Of these, 89 (9.4%) were classified as SGA and 40 (4.2%) as FGR, with an overall rate of adverse perinatal outcome of 4.9%. At a fixed 10% false-positive rate (FPR), the detection rate of SGA by EFW, UtA-PI, CPR, UVBF and by a combination of Doppler variables (UtA-PI and CPR) and EFW was 59.2%, 10.5%, 13.7%, 3.2% and 61.0%, respectively. At a fixed 10% FPR, the detection rate of FGR by EFW, UtA-PI, CPR, UVBF and a combination of CPR and EFW centile was 83.3%, 13.9%, 27.8%, 13.9% and 88.6%, respectively. At a fixed 10% FPR, the detection rate of adverse perinatal outcome by EFW, UtA-PI, CPR and UVBF was 19.2%, 9.2%, 23.1% and 16.9%, respectively, while combining EFW with Doppler variables (including CPR and UVBF normalized by EFW) improved the detection rate to nearly 30%.

CONCLUSION

In low-risk pregnancies, Doppler evaluation at 37 weeks' gestation did not improve the prediction of SGA and FGR compared with that given by EFW alone, however, combining Doppler variables with EFW improved the prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes given by these parameters alone, although not markedly. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Identification of patients at risk for preeclampsia with the use of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry and copeptin

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between maternal copeptin levels and uterine artery Doppler examination and progress of preeclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was designed with women those were screened at 20 + 0 - 24+  6 weeks' gestation between May 2014 and August 2014. The obstetric records of all normotensive women were examined. Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry results and serum copeptin levels were measured. The patients were divided into two groups according to normal (n = 67) and abnormal uterine artery Doppler (n = 21) findings.

RESULTS

Maternal age was significantly lower in group 1 (n = 21, 23.9%) than in group 2 (n= 67, 76.1%) (p < 0.05). We found no differences in maternal characteristics, birth weight, gestational age at delivery and copeptin levels between the two groups. Maternal serum copeptin levels were higher in women who subsequently developed preeclampsia. There was also a significant correlation between copeptin levels and the presence of preeclampsia. (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Copeptin levels are significantly higher in patients who develop preeclampsia.

Prediction of low birth weight: Comparison of placental T2* estimated by MRI and uterine artery pulsatility index

OBJECTIVE

Neonates at low birth weight due to placental dysfunction are at high risk of adverse outcomes. These outcomes can be substantially improved by prenatal identification. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) constant, placental T2* reflects placental structure and oxygenation and thereby placental function. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the performance of placental T2* in the prediction of low birth weight using the uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) as gold standard.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of 100 singleton pregnancies included at 20-40 weeks' gestation. Placental T2* was obtained using a gradient recalled multi-echo MRI sequence and UtA PI was measured using Doppler ultrasound. Placental pathological examination was performed in 57 of the pregnancies. Low birth weight was defined by a Z-score ≤ -2.0.

RESULTS

The incidence of low birth weight was 15%. The median time interval between measurements and birth was 7.3 weeks (interquartile range 3.0, 13.7 weeks). Linear regression revealed significant associations between birth weight Z-score and both placental T2* Z-score (r = 0.68, p < 0.0001) and UtA PI Z-score (r = -0.43, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated a significantly higher performance of T2* (AUC of 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.98) than UtA PI (AUC of 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.89) in the prediction of low birth weight (p = 0.010). Placental pathological findings were closely related to the T2* values.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population, placental T2* was a strong predictor of low birth weight and it performed significantly better than the UtA PI. Thus, placental T2* is a promising marker of placental dysfunction which deserves further investigation.

The relationship between maternal placental growth factor levels and intrapartum fetal compromise

INTRODUCTION

Whilst some cases of intrapartum fetal compromise are the result of unpredictable catastrophic events, the majority arise from an unrecognised reduction in feto-placental reserve in otherwise healthy pregnancies. There is currently no reliable technique prior to labour that identifies the at-risk fetus. We aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal levels of serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and intrapartum fetal compromise in term pregnancies prior to labour. Secondary outcomes were caesarean delivery for intrapartum fetal compromise and adverse neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

A blinded, prospective, cross sectional study set at Mater Mother's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Maternal PlGF concentration was assessed fortnightly from 36 weeks until delivery in 378 low-risk pregnant women. Antenatal and intrapartum care was managed according to local protocols and guidelines, and intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Pregnancies that developed intrapartum fetal compromise had lower PlGF than those that did not. PlGF concentration was also lower amongst pregnancies that developed intrapartum fetal heart rate abnormalities, were delivered with abnormal cord gases or Apgar ≤7 at 5 min. Additionally, PlGF levels were lower in pregnancies with an adverse composite neonatal outcome.

DISCUSSION

Lower maternal PlGF concentration is associated with intrapartum fetal compromise and poorer condition of the newborn. Maternal PlGF levels may be useful as a component of a risk stratification tool for intrapartum fetal compromise in apparently 'low risk' term pregnancies prior to labour.

Prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates: screening by biophysical and biochemical markers at 19-24 weeks

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of combined screening by maternal characteristics and medical history, fetal biometry and biophysical and biochemical markers at 19-24 weeks' gestation, for prediction of delivery of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates, in the absence of pre-eclampsia (PE), and examine the potential value of such assessment in deciding whether the third-trimester scan should be at 32 and/or 36 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

This was a screening study in 7816 singleton pregnancies, including 389 (5.0%) that delivered SGA neonates with birth weight < 5(th) percentile (SGA < 5(th) ), in the absence of PE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by a combination of maternal factors, fetal biometry, uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and maternal serum concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) had significant contribution in predicting SGA neonates. A model was developed for selecting the gestational age for third-trimester assessment, at 32 and/or 36 weeks, based on the results of screening at 19-24 weeks.

RESULTS

Significant independent contributions to the prediction of SGA < 5(th) were provided by maternal factors, fetal biometry, UtA-PI and serum PlGF and AFP. The detection rate (DR) of such combined screening at 19-24 weeks was 100%, 78% and 42% for SGA < 5(th) delivering < 32, at 32-36 and ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, respectively, at a false-positive rate (FPR) of 10%. In a hypothetical model, it was estimated that if the desired objective of prenatal screening is to predict about 80% of the cases of SGA < 5(th) , it would be necessary to select 11% of the population at the 19-24-week assessment to be reassessed at 32 weeks and 44% to be reassessed at 36 weeks; 57% would not require a third-trimester scan.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal prediction of a high proportion of SGA neonates necessitates the undertaking of screening in the third trimester of pregnancy, in addition to assessment in the second trimester, and the timing of such screening, at 32 and/or 36 weeks, should be contingent on the results of the assessment at 19-24 weeks.

Prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates: screening by uterine artery Doppler and mean arterial pressure at 19-24 weeks

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential value of uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 19-24 weeks' gestation, in combination with maternal characteristics and medical history and fetal biometry in the prediction of delivery of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates in the absence of pre-eclampsia (PE) and to examine the potential value of such assessment in deciding whether the third-trimester scan should be performed at 32 and/or 36 weeks' gestation.

METHODS

This was a screening study in 63 975 singleton pregnancies, including 3702 (5.8%) that delivered SGA neonates with birth weight < 5(th) percentile (SGA < 5(th) ) in the absence of PE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by a combination of maternal factors, fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), UtA-PI and MAP had significant contribution in predicting SGA neonates. A model was developed to select gestational age for the third-trimester assessment, at 32 and/or 36 weeks, based on the results of screening at 19-24 weeks.

RESULTS

The detection rates (DRs) of combined screening by maternal factors, fetal biometry and UtA-PI at 19-24 weeks were 90%, 68% and 44% for SGA < 5(th) delivering < 32, 32-36 and ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, respectively, at a false-positive rate (FPR) of 10%. The performance of screening was not improved by the addition of MAP. The DR of SGA < 5(th) delivering at 32-36 weeks improved from 68% to 90% with screening at 32 rather than at 19-24 weeks. Similarly, the DR of SGA < 5(th) delivering ≥ 37 weeks improved from 44% with screening at 19-24 weeks to 59% and 76% when screening at 32 and 36 weeks, respectively. In a hypothetical model, it was estimated that if the desired objective of prenatal screening is to predict about 80% of the cases of SGA < 5(th) , it would be necessary to select 17% of the population at the 19-24-week assessment to be reassessed at 32 weeks and 38% to be reassessed at 36 weeks; 62% would not require a third-trimester scan.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal prediction of a high proportion of SGA neonates necessitates the undertaking of screening in the third trimester of pregnancy in addition to assessment in the second trimester, and the timing of such screening, at 32 and/or 36 weeks, should be contingent on the results of the assessment at 19-24 weeks.