ESTABLISHING THE CORRELATION OF ULTRASOUND TO CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS IN FETAL GROWTH RESTRICTION: A CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Background: Fetal growth restriction has varying etiology and is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Various long-term associated complications are subtle neurodevelopmental handicaps and growth retardation, and acute neonatal concerns being
polycythemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and perinatal asphyxia. Attentive surveillance of fetal growth is a vital factor.
Aim: The present study aimed to establish the correlation of ultrasound to clinical diagnosis in fetal growth restriction:
Methods: The present study assessed 144 subjects presenting with fetal growth restriction. The correlation between clinical findings and ultrasound diagnosis was made in all the subjects. The data gathered were analyzed statistically.
Results: The majority of the females presenting fetal growth restriction were residents of rural areas. The clinical diagnostic methods presented with a specificity and sensitivity of 74.4% and 70.9% respectively. On Doppler and ultrasonography, sensitivity was found to be 90.4% and 80.7%, whereas, specificity was 95.3% and 87.9% respectively. Among 63 cases of clinically suspected intrauterine growth restriction, 65% (n=41) of subjects were confirmed for intrauterine growth restriction.
Conclusions: The present study, considering its limitations, concludes that the best available modality for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction is the Doppler study as it presents with high specificity. However, clinical diagnosis is an equally efficient modality to assess fetal growth restriction and is a cost-effective screening method.