FETAL BIPARIETAL DIAMETER AND PLACENTAL GRADE - PREDICTORS OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH-RETARDATION

Abstract

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with increased fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. A grade 3 placenta on ultrasound examination was helpful in diagnosing the growth-retarded fetus. Whether this technique would be applicable in clinical practice was evaluated. In the present study of 191 [human] pregnancies, positive sonographic screening, defined as a fetal biparietal diameter of .ltoreq. 87 mm, and a grade 3 placenta were found to detect 59% of all growth-retarded fetuses; half of the identification of growth-retarded fetuses were correct. Overall risk for IUGR was increased 8.5 times in the presence of a positive sonographic screen, 3.5 times for the preterm (< 38 wk gestation) fetus and 18 times for the term fetus. Evidently information readily available from real-time ultrasound examination, placental maturity grading and biparietal diameter can improve the detection of IUGR.