Intracranial ultrasound abnormalities and mortality in preterm infants with and without fetal growth restriction stratified by fetal Doppler study results

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether fetal growth restriction (FGR) with or without abnormal Dopplers is associated with intracranial abnormalities and death in premature infants.

Study design: Premature infants with and without FGR born between 2016 and 2019 were included. Primary outcome was death, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Groups were compared using standard bivariate testing and multivariable regression.

Results: Among 168 FGR and 560 non-FGR infants, FGR infants with abnormal Dopplers had an increased incidence of death, severe IVH or PVL compared to non-FGR infants (13% (16/123) vs. 7% (41/560); p = 0.03) while FGR infants with normal Dopplers had a nonsignificant decrease. In a logistic regression model, FGR with abnormal Dopplers was associated with more than three times higher odds of death, severe IVH or PVL (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.54,6.49; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Growth-restricted infants with abnormal Dopplers had an increased risk of death, intracranial abnormalities, and prematurity-related morbidities.