Cocaine-induced mesenteric ischaemia.

TYPE OF STUDY: Summary review.

SETTING

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Hospital Na Bulovce, Prague; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague; Department of Children and Adolescent Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General Teaching Hospital, Prague.

INTRODUCTION

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the most common problems in obstetrics. Its incidence is ranging between 3-10%, according to the type of study population and chosen criteria. The cutoff value mainly used for defining the IUGR is weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. The minority of authors defines the cutoff value under the 5th or 3rd percentile. Any pathological interference with normal vascular development of placenta may have a critical impact on foetal growth and development. Ischaemia is the most common cause of IUGR in normally well-supplied placenta. IUGR is then a consequence of insufficient extension, branching, and dilatation of capillary loops during the formation of terminal villi.

METHODS

This paper is a review focused on up-to-date-known data concerning changes in placental angiogenesis and their impact on IUGR development.

CONCLUSION

The aim of this review is to summarize the knowledge concerning the mechanisms of development of the vascular supply to the placenta under physiological conditions and in conditions that result in IUGR.