Neonatal growth assessment score: a new approach to the detection of intrauterine growth retardation in the newborn

Article Abstract:

The weight of a fetus during pregnancy can be used to assess fetal well-being during pregnancy. Reference growth patterns have been established for normally growing fetuses of similar fetal age. Fetuses falling within the normal range (between the 10th and 90th percentile) are termed appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA), below the 10th percentile are termed small-for-gestational age (SGA) and above the 90th percentile, large-for-gestational age (LGA). These intrauterine growth patterns have been used to assess fetal growth for 20 years. However, recent studies have shown that SGA status does not accurately predict fetal outcome. Additionally, genetic differences are not accounted for in typical growth charts. A new method of detecting intrauterine growth retardation was developed using a composite of growth outcome parameters and growth potential realization index (GPRI), which adjusts for genetic differences in growth. Weight, head circumference, abdominal circumference and thigh circumference were combined with GPRI to create a fetal growth scoring system called the neonatal growth assessment score (NGAS). To test the accuracy of the NGAS, measurements were made every two to three weeks of 37 fetuses at risk for intrauterine growth retardation. The infants were divided into two groups; group I had 24 infants with NGAS values between 3.7 and 18.6, while group II had 13 infants with NGAS values between 19.4 and 50.0. Of the infants in group I, 66.7 percent were born with no growth abnormalities. A single borderline abnormality was found in an additional 20.8 percent. Therefore, a total of 87.5 percent were considered normal. All infants in group II had between two and six growth abnormalities, yet only 46.2 percent of these infants were classified as SGA. The neonatal growth assessment score used during the last three months of pregnancy was able to distinguish between growth retarded fetuses and normal fetuses with a great degree of accuracy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Standards, Diagnosis, Growth disorders, Growth (Physiology)

---

Levels of hepatocyte growth factor in maternal serum and amniotic fluid

Article Abstract:

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) may be produced by both the placenta and by the inner layer of the membrane surrounding the fetus, the amnion, and may influence growth of the fetus and the development of the placenta. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 219 women in various stages of pregnancy, umbilical cord blood from 20 patients, and 90 amniotic fluid samples. High HGF levels were found in maternal blood and amniotic fluid but not in umbilical cord blood. HGF was determined to be secreted by the placenta, which then circulated into the mothers' blood but not to the fetus. Amnion was determined to secrete HGF into amniotic fluid, with the highest levels of HGF occurring during the second trimester. HGF in amniotic fluid may influence fetal growth and organ development.

Physiological aspects, Growth factors, Placenta

---

Adding zinc to prenatal iron and folate tablets improves fetal neurobehavioral development

Article Abstract:

Zinc supplements during pregnancy appear to improve neurobehavioral development in the fetus. Signs of neurobehavioral development in the fetus include changes in fetal heart rate, more episodes of movement and larger movements. Researchers used electronic fetal monitoring to analyze neurobehavioral development in 55 fetuses at 32 and 36 weeks whose mothers took iron and folate supplements with or without zinc. Fetuses of women who took zinc had more signs of neurobehavioral development and this effect was most pronounced at 36 weeks' gestation.

Health aspects, Zinc in the body, Zinc (Nutrient)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The association between oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth retardation. The reliability and predictive value of an amniotic fluid scoring system in severe second-trimester oligohydramnios
• Abstracts: The impact of the prospective payment system on the treatment of hip fractures in the elderly. The role of medication noncompliance and adverse drug reactions in hospitalizations of the elderly
• Abstracts: The ordinary light microscope: an appropriate tool for provisional detection and identification of crystals in synovial fluid
• Abstracts: Effect of salt restriction on urine hydroxyproline excretion in postmenopausal women. Treatment of postmenopausal hyperparathyroidism with norethindrone
• Abstracts: Medical treatment and long-term survival in a prospective study of 84 patients with endocrine pancreatic tumors

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.