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Human fetal growth restriction: a cardiovascular journey through to adolescence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 July 2016

A. Sehgal ,
M. R. Skilton Open the ORCID record for M. R. Skilton [Opens in a new window]  and
F. Crispi
A. Sehgal*
Affiliation:
Monash Children’s Hospital, Block E Monash Medical Centre, Clayton VIC 3186, Australia Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
M. R. Skilton
Affiliation:
The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
F. Crispi
Affiliation:
BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
*
*Address for correspondence: A. Sehgal, Neonatologist, Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Monash University, 246, Clayton Road, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia. (Email [email protected])
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Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction has been noted to adversely impact morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period as well as cardiovascular well-being in adolescence and adulthood. Recent data based on a wide range of ultrasound parameters during fetal and neonatal life has noted early and persistent involvement of the cardiovascular system. Some of these measures are predictive of long-term morbidities. Assessment of vascular mechanics is a new and novel concept in this population, and opens up avenues for diagnosis, monitoring and evaluation of the likely effectiveness of interventions. Prevention of these adverse vascular and cardiac outcomes secondary to fetal growth restriction may be feasible and of clinical relevance. This review focuses on growth restriction in humans with respect to cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction during fetal life, persistence of functional cardiac impairment during early childhood and adolescence, and possible preventive strategies.

Keywords

cardiovascular functiondietary interventionsfetal ultrasoundintrauterine growth restrictionomega-3 supplementation
Type
Review
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 7 , Issue 6: Themed Issue: Developmental Origins of Adult Mental Health and Illness , December 2016 , pp. 626 - 635
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2016 

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Footnotes

†

Arvind Sehgal wrote the first draft but all authors are equal first authors.

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