The yield of the prenatal work-up in intrauterine growth restriction and the spectrum of fetal abnormalities detected postnatally † .

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the yield of work-up in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies and their outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data regarding prenatal work-up (serology, genetic testing and imaging), and neonatal outcomes of 198 IUGR pregnancies (estimated fetal weight <10th percentile) were analyzed.

RESULTS: IUGR was isolated in 72 cases. Work-up performed in 158 (80%) cases was positive in 4 (2.5%). No abnormalities were detected in prenatal genetic testing. Echocardiogram performed in 27 cases was abnormal in 3 (11.1%). Serological testing performed in 150 pregnancies (75.8%) detected 1 case (0.7%) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Thirteen neonates (6.5%) were diagnosed with significant health problems. A positive work-up and significant postnatal health problems were not correlated with IUGR severity, symmetry or additional concurrent findings.

CONCLUSION: The yield of IUGR work-up is not clear and is probably highest for fetal echocardiography. The rate of significant adverse outcomes after birth is increased in IUGR pregnancies.