Abstract:

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) can cause short-term and long-term developmental abnormalities in fetuses and neonates and severe neurological diseases in adulthood. Therefore, the impact of FGR on fetal and neonatal brain neurodevelopment has become a research hotspot in recent years. Human and experimental animal studies have shown that the onset time of FGR, the severity of FGR, and the gestational age at delivery are closely related to fetal brain neurodevelopment. Middle cerebral artery Doppler ultrasonography and cerebroplacental ratio can evaluate fetal cerebral hemodynamics in FGR, and phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging can monitor fetal cerebral blood flow and brain structure. Early-onset and late-onset FGR have different effects on the brain neurodevelopment of the offspring. FGR can also lead to abnormal fetal brain structure and function, and increase the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage. In this article, we reviewed the research progress of the effects of FGR on fetal brain neurodevelopment, in order to strengthen the clinical management of FGR fetuses and improve its short-term and long-term outcomes.

Key words: Fetal growth retardation, Fetal development, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Brain, Fetus, Child