Open AccessFetal hemodynamics and adverse outcome in primary school‐aged children with fetal growth restriction: a prospective longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Korkalainen Noora,
Räsänen Juha,
Kaukola Tuula,
Kallankari Hanna,
Hallman Mikko,
Mäkikallio Kaarin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/aogs.13052
Subject(s) - medicine , ductus venosus , fetus , gestational age , umbilical artery , small for gestational age , hemodynamics , intrauterine growth restriction , prospective cohort study , obstetrics , cardiology , hazard ratio , adverse effect , pregnancy , confidence interval , genetics , biology
Fetal growth restriction is associated with short‐term and long‐term mortality and morbidity. We hypothesized that adverse outcome in children with fetal growth restriction at primary school age is associated with fetoplacental circulatory abnormalities. Material and methods Comprehensive ultrasonographic assessment of fetoplacental hemodynamics was performed in 72 growth‐restricted fetuses prenatally, and short‐term outcome data were collected. At the median age of 9 years, mortality and morbidity were determined using medical charts and questionnaires. The impact of abnormal fetoplacental hemodynamics on mortality and morbidity with significant developmental disorders or delay were studied. Results Fetal growth restriction children with adverse long‐term outcome were delivered earlier and with lower birthweights than were those with non‐compromised outcome. Seventy percent of the fetal growth restriction group showed non‐compromised long‐term outcomes and participated in mainstream education at the appropriate age level. Absent/retrograde diastolic flow in the umbilical artery ( p < 0.001), negative A‐wave in the ductus venosus ( p = 0.006), cardiomegaly ( p = 0.02), hydrops ( p = 0.006) and cardiovascular profile score <6 ( p = 0.002) were associated with increased risk of adverse outcome. After adjustment for gestational age, these parameters demonstrated hazard ratios of 5.0–16.5 for adverse long‐term outcome; increased systemic venous pulsatility and low cardiovascular profile score had the highest predictive power. Conclusions Absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow in the umbilical artery, reversed A‐wave in the ductus venosus, cardiomegaly, hydrops, and low cardiovascular profile score are associated with adverse outcomes at primary school age in fetal growth restriction children. These fetal parameters play a significant role in the prediction of long‐term outcomes for fetal growth restriction children.