Current views on the diagnosis and prognosis of fetal growth restriction (A literature review)

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction remains a leading cause of preterm birth and neurological disorders in children and is associated with high neonatal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Fetal growth restriction is strongly associated with preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, and does not tend to decrease in frequency. The terms small for gestational age and fetal growth restriction are similar in terms of fetometry, however, in modern literature, these concepts differ based on blood flow disorders in the mother-placenta-fetus system and perinatal complications. A deep understanding of the multifactorial pathogenesis of early and late fetal growth restriction will allow for developing targeted therapy of placental insufficiency. Determining the role of new placental growth biomarkers plays a significant role in understanding the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and developing measures to predict placenta-associated pregnancy complications. This review article highlights new approaches to effective fetal growth restriction screening. Recent advances in ultrasound diagnosis of fetal growth restriction provide the basis for multivariate testing that can provide cost-effective screening for placental-associated pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction.