Fetal Liver Size, Hepatic Artery Doppler Study in Late Intra Uterine Growth Restriction

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition in which the fetus does not reach its growth potential. It is well known that a fetus affected with late IUGR has smaller abdominal size.  The aim of the study is to evaluate the fetal liver size, fetal hepatic artery blood flow and other fetal vascular Doppler indices in cases of late IUGR. Methods: This observational analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 pregnant women at or above 32 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 (study group): 50 pregnant women as study group who were affected with IUGR. Group 2 (control group): 50 normally pregnant women as control group. Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between fetal weight and liver length. There was a positive highly statistically significant correlation between symphysial fundal height and the estimated fetal weight by ultrasound in cases of IUGR. There was a statistically significant decrease in the liver size in IUGR compared to the normal group. There was a statistically significant reduced hepatic arterial Doppler indices. Conclusions: Reduced liver size and hepatic arterial Doppler indices (PI, RI) can be valid diagnostic methods in IUGR. SFH, in fetuses suffering from IUGR when compared to normal cases, was correlated with EFW.