Noortje H M van Oostrum1,2,3, Daisy A A van der Woude1,2, Sally-Ann B Clur4, S Guid Oei1,2,3, Judith O E H van Laar1,2,3. 1. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Fundamental Perinatology, Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, The Netherlands. 3. Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. 4. Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses have an increased risk for adverse outcome. Placental insufficiency leads to changes in the circulation, with secondary adaptation of the fetal heart resulting in changed cardiac deformation. This deformation can be measured with 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). SGA is antenatally often undiagnosed. The measurement of deformation changes in the fetal heart might help in the prediction of SGA and identify fetuses in need of more intensive surveillance. METHODS: In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate (GLSR), measured before 23 weeks gestational age were compared between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses, based on birthweight corrected for gestational age at birth. RESULTS: The fetal heart rate was significantly increased in SGA; 158 beats per minute (146-163) vs 148 (134-156); P = 0.035 in AGA. Right ventricle GLS (RV-GLS) values were significantly increased in SGA; -15.87% (-11.69% to -20.55%) vs -20.24% (-16.29% to -24.28%); p = 0.024, respectively. CONCLUSION: RV-GLS values, measured with 2D-STE, were significantly increased in SGA, indicating systolic RV dysfunction before 23 weeks gestational age in fetuses who will become SGA later in pregnancy. A large longitudinal prospective cohort study is needed to confirm these findings.
OBJECTIVES: Small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses have an increased risk for adverse outcome. Placental insufficiency leads to changes in the circulation, with secondary adaptation of the fetal heart resulting in changed cardiac deformation. This deformation can be measured with 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). SGA is antenatally often undiagnosed. The measurement of deformation changes in the fetal heart might help in the prediction of SGA and identify fetuses in need of more intensive surveillance. METHODS: In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate (GLSR), measured before 23 weeks gestational age were compared between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses, based on birthweight corrected for gestational age at birth. RESULTS: The fetal heart rate was significantly increased in SGA; 158 beats per minute (146-163) vs 148 (134-156); P = 0.035 in AGA. Right ventricle GLS (RV-GLS) values were significantly increased in SGA; -15.87% (-11.69% to -20.55%) vs -20.24% (-16.29% to -24.28%); p = 0.024, respectively. CONCLUSION: RV-GLS values, measured with 2D-STE, were significantly increased in SGA, indicating systolic RV dysfunction before 23 weeks gestational age in fetuses who will become SGA later in pregnancy. A large longitudinal prospective cohort study is needed to confirm these findings.
Authors: N H M van Oostrum; C M de Vet; S B Clur; D A A van der Woude; E R van den Heuvel; S G Oei; J O E H van Laar Journal: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol Date: 2022-04-06 Impact factor: 8.678