About this Research Topic
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects approximately 3-7% of pregnancies. It is reported as affecting up to 10% in Lower Middle Income Countries. A fetus with an estimated weight falling below the 10th centile is considered as having FGR. Few of these fetuses might be constitutionally small in accordance with their genetic potential. Often FGR is considered to be multi-factorial. The causes could be due to fetal, maternal, or placental problems. Genetic, demographic, and socioeconomic factors also have an influence on the prevalence. FGR can lead to increased perinatal mortality and morbidities. The effects of FGR can influence the survival and well-being of neonates immediately after birth. It is also shown to have long-term effects on survivors like high incidence of hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and other lifestyle disorders.
Research has shown to predict FGR by using bio- and sonographic markers. However, accurate prediction still seems far from reach. Very few interventions in the antenatal period have been shown to decrease the incidence. Previous cohort studies have reported the difference in morbidities compared to their normal counterparts.
This Research Topic aims to:
1. Look at the accuracy of various FGR prediction algorithms, growth charts, and other biomarkers
2. Compare the mortality and morbidity rates in neonates born with FGR/SGA compared to the AGA counterparts across the spectrum of gestations during early life
3. Describe the long-term outcomes in FGR/SGA populations during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
4. Find biomarkers, radio-imaging techniques, and clinical algorithms to predict short-term and long-term outcomes
We welcome original studies, and narrative and systematic reviews on the following themes:
1. Growth charts
2. Biomarkers
3. Epidemiology
4. New technology
5. AI-ML-based algorithms
6. Outcomes
7. Management
8. Prevention
Research has shown to predict FGR by using bio- and sonographic markers. However, accurate prediction still seems far from reach. Very few interventions in the antenatal period have been shown to decrease the incidence. Previous cohort studies have reported the difference in morbidities compared to their normal counterparts.
This Research Topic aims to:
1. Look at the accuracy of various FGR prediction algorithms, growth charts, and other biomarkers
2. Compare the mortality and morbidity rates in neonates born with FGR/SGA compared to the AGA counterparts across the spectrum of gestations during early life
3. Describe the long-term outcomes in FGR/SGA populations during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood
4. Find biomarkers, radio-imaging techniques, and clinical algorithms to predict short-term and long-term outcomes
We welcome original studies, and narrative and systematic reviews on the following themes:
1. Growth charts
2. Biomarkers
3. Epidemiology
4. New technology
5. AI-ML-based algorithms
6. Outcomes
7. Management
8. Prevention
Keywords: fetal growth restriction, growth charts, still births, perinatal mortality, fetus, neonate, small for gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
