Research status of ultrasound parameters and blood indicators in predicting fetal growth restriction

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2025.08.014

Abstract

Abstract:

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) refers to the failure of a fetus to reach the level of growth potential determined by its genetic potential. It is a common obstetric complication, occurring in 5% to 10% of pregnancies. As a major risk factor for perinatal death and adverse neonatal outcomes, early prediction of FGR is crucial for optimizing pregnancy management. Existing evidence suggests that FGR is significantly associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine hypoxia, preterm birth, neonatal asphyxia, and even neonatal mortality. It may also affect long-term neurological development and increase the risk of metabolic diseases in adulthood. Its pathogenesis is complex, which may involve placental blood flow perfusion insufficiency and genetic factors. Ultrasound parameters are the main basis for the diagnosis of FGR, among which fetal biological and hemodynamic parameters are of great value. Elevated umbilical artery blood flow resistance index, absent or reversed end-diastolic blood flow, and placental insufficiency are associated with the severity of FGR. However, approximately 10% of fetuses diagnosed by ultrasound as having FGR are later confirmed to be healthy small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants after birth, and this false positive result may lead to unnecessary clinical interventions. Currently, there is no recognized accurate prediction model for FGR in clinical practice. Future research should focus on establishing unified diagnostic criteria and developing multi-index joint prediction tools based on artificial intelligence (AI). Early prediction and intervention for FGR are of great significance to improve perinatal outcomes. This paper reviewed the predictive value of ultrasound parameters, blood indicators, and their integration with AI for FGR, in order to provide a basis for clinical decision-making.

Key words: fetal growth restriction (FGR), ultrasound parameter, blood indicator, artificial intelligence (AI), prediction

CLC Number:

R714.51

LIANG Shuyuan, YE Baoying, CHENG Weiwei. Research status of ultrasound parameters and blood indicators in predicting fetal growth restriction[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2025, 45(8): 1059-1065.

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References 56

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