Prevalence and Doppler Indices of Late-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction at a Single University Hospital in Southern Thailand.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR), and comprehensively assess maternal and fetal Doppler indices by comparing the Doppler measurements of the uterine artery (UtA), umbilical artery (UA), umbilical vein (UV), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and ductus venosus (DV) between normal and FGR groups.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 306 singleton pregnant women at ≥ 32 weeks' gestation between June 1, 2023 and April 30, 2024. Fetal biometry and Doppler indices were measured via transabdominal ultrasonography by a single operator. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical comparison.

RESULTS

Late-onset FGR prevalence was 4.9% (15/306). The FGR group had a significantly higher UtA pulsatility index (PI) and lower cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), cerebral-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR), and UV blood flow normalized for fetal abdominal circumference (UVBF/AC) compared to the normal group.

CONCLUSION

Late-onset FGR prevalence was approximately 5%. The higher UtA-PI and lower CPR, CPUR, and UVBF/AC in the FGR group indicated mild placental insufficiency.