Usefulness of Doppler ultrasound for the diagnosis, prognosis and management of fetal growth restriction: situation in Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is the pathological decrease in the fetal growth rate generally associated with placental insufficiency.Diagnosis is made by obstetric ultrasonography and Doppler velocimetry, assessing different biometric and hemodynamic parameters.However,there is no global consensus regarding the parameters to be referenced.Objective:To provide an updated review of the FGR clinical approach in Chile, focused on the use of Doppler ultrasonography as a fundamental tool in the diagnosis, prognosis,and management of this pathology and to compare with other countries.Method: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases,including relevant and updated articles.Results: The search included 89 bibliographic references under which it was possible to make a review of the most current data on the use of Doppler in FGR both worldwide and in Chile. Conclusions: The 2015 Perinatal Guidelines published in Chile is not updated with the latest scientific evidence and knowledge. However, it largely agrees with international guidelines for FGR management.The discrepancies between the revised guidelines could be explained due to the variability of evidence from scientific-clinical studies, which are essential to unify for standardized care of FGR in the country.