Isolated intrauterine growth restriction: a survey of Central Association of Obstetricians Gynecologists (CAOG) members.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to ascertain clinicians' opinions and current management with isolated (no concomitant morbidity) intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

METHODS

Members of the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CAOG) were surveyed. We considered consensus to be agreement among 90% of the respondents.

RESULTS

The response rate was 36% (137/385). Among the 21 questions on the topic, the only consensus was that none of the respondents informed women of the recurrence rate of IUGR. There was variance in what constitutes IUGR as well as practice patterns for detection and management of suboptimal growth. Ten (7%) of the respondents had at least one litigation involving management of IUGR. Responses from 87 general obstetrician-gynecologists varied significantly from that of 33 maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) subspecialists for 48% (10/21) of the survey questions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is large practice variation in detection and management of isolated IUGR. This stresses the need for additional studies and a national guideline on its management.