The Impact of Fetal Growth Restriction on Prenatal 2D Ultrasound and Doppler Study of the Fetal Adrenal Gland

Overview

Journal J Pregnancy

Publisher Wiley

Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics

Date 2024 Sep 6

PMID 39238897

Authors

Suphawan Pattamathamakul

Chatuporn Duangkum

Sukanya Chaiyarach

Kiattisak Kongwattanakul

Piyamas Saksiriwuttho

Ratana Komwilaisak

Sathida Chantanavilai

Manasicha Pongsamakthai

Prapassara Sirikarn

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Uteroplacental insufficiency in fetuses with growth restriction (FGR) leads to chronic hypoxia and stress, predominantly affecting the adrenal glands. However, the mechanisms of impact remain unclear. This study is aimed at comparing the Doppler indices of the adrenal artery and the adrenal gland sizes between FGR and those with normal growth. A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from February to December 2023. We compared 34 FGR to 34 with normal growth in terms of inferior adrenal artery (IAA) Doppler indices and adrenal gland volumes. The IAA peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the FGR group was 14.9 ± 2.9 cm/s compared to 13.5 ± 2.0 cm/s in the normal group, with a mean difference of 1.4 cm/s (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-2.65; value = 0.017). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of IAA pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), or systolic/diastolic (S/D), with values of 0.438, 0.441, and 0.658, respectively. The volumes of the corrected whole adrenal gland and the corrected neocortex were significantly larger in the FGR group, with values of 0.031 and 0.020, respectively. Both increased IAA PSV and enlarged volumes of the corrected whole adrenal gland and neocortex were found in fetuses with FGR, suggesting significant adrenal gland adaptation in response to chronic intrauterine stress.

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