Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Conditions
Keywords
Ductus Venosus, Doppler Ultrasound, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Brief summary
This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate the relationship between ductus venosus Doppler parameters and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Pregnant women diagnosed with IUGR will undergo longitudinal Doppler assessments of the ductus venosus during the third trimester. The Doppler indices will be correlated with perinatal outcomes, including Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and perinatal mortality. The study seeks to determine whether serial ductus venosus Doppler measurements can serve as predictive markers of adverse neonatal outcomes in IUGR pregnancies.
Detailed description
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major obstetric complication associated with increased risks of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Accurate assessment of fetal well-being and timely prediction of adverse outcomes are critical in the management of these pregnancies. The ductus venosus, a key component of the fetal circulation, reflects central venous pressure and cardiac function. Alterations in ductus venosus Doppler waveforms have been suggested as early markers of fetal compromise. This prospective observational cohort study is designed to longitudinally evaluate ductus venosus Doppler parameters in pregnancies diagnosed with IUGR and to explore their association with perinatal outcomes. Pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria will undergo serial Doppler examinations of the ductus venosus during the third trimester, performed at defined intervals until delivery. Perinatal outcomes to be assessed include Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, duration of hospitalization, and perinatal mortality. By correlating longitudinal ductus venosus Doppler changes with clinical outcomes, the study aims to determine whether these parameters may serve as reliable predictors of neonatal risk in IUGR pregnancies. Ultimately, this research may provide additional evidence to support the use of ductus venosus Doppler in clinical decision-making and in the timing of delivery for growth-restricted fetuses.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
İlayda Gercik Arzık, MD
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Female participants aged 18-45 years Singleton pregnancy Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with estimated fetal weight \<10th percentile for gestational age Gestational age ≥24 weeks at enrollment Ability to comply with scheduled follow-up visits and Doppler examinations Signed informed consent obtained
Exclusion criteria
Multiple gestations (twins or higher-order pregnancies) Major fetal congenital anomalies Known chromosomal abnormalities Maternal chronic systemic diseases likely to affect fetal growth (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, severe renal disease, severe hypertension) Maternal infections known to impact fetal growth (e.g., TORCH infections)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Composite adverse perinatal outcome (perinatal mortality, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, NICU admission) | From delivery until neonatal discharge (up to 28 days postpartum) | A composite outcome including perinatal mortality, Apgar score \<7 at 5 minutes, and NICU admission. The association between ductus venosus Doppler indices and this composite outcome will be analyzed. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Longitudinal change (slope) of ductus venosus PI during third trimester | From study enrollment through delivery (up to 14 weeks), assessed weekly | Rate of change per week calculated from serial weekly Doppler exams. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
STUDY_DIRECTORHakan Golbasi, Assistant Professor
Izmir City Hospital
Outcome results
None listed