Using fetal abdominal circumference growth velocity in the prediction of adverse outcome in near‐term small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses

What is it about?

This study investigates whether using the abdominal circumference (AC) growth velocity improves the prediction of perinatal outcome in small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses beyond that afforded by estimated fetal weight (EFW) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). We demonstrate that in fetuses diagnosed antenatally as SGA near term, a reduction (< 10th centile) in AC growth velocity (ACGV) between 20 and 36 weeks is a risk factor for adverse outcome that is independent of EFW and CPR. Using the ACGV in addition to EFW and CPR in risk stratification might improve identification of SGA fetuses at lower risk of adverse outcomes, potentially reducing obstetric intervention and early term delivery.

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