Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR): How the Differences Between Early and Late FGR Impact on Clinical Management?

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with significantly increased perinatal mortality as well as immediate and long-term morbidity. One of the most challenging aspects of this condition is the ability to accurately define and adequately diagnose it in order to determine appropriate clinical management. Within a common pathogenesis of placental insufficiency, two phenotypes, early and late FGR, have emerged. Early FGR is easier to diagnose, however, as a consequence of extreme prematurity at presentation it can be extremely challenging to manage. Late fetal growth restriction is much more problematic to diagnose but relatively straightforward to manage as delivery is a reasonable option. Areas of research with regards to FGR, which require further evaluation, include the development of more accurate screening tools in order to identify those women at risk and validation of the role of aspirin in the prevention of this condition in a prospective adequately powered trial.

Keywords

Fetal growth restriction - Early onset - Late onset - Definition - Management