Patterns of Aortic Isthmus Doppler in Early Fetal Growth Restriction , and the Changes in Aortic Isthmus Doppler Parameters With Every Changes of Other Early Iugr Parameters Like EFW, Uterine Artery Doppler, Cerebroplacental Ratio and Ductus Venosus Doppler in Comparison With Normal Group .
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Fetal Growth Restriction, Placental Insufficiency, Aortic Isthmus Doppler, Cerebroplacental Ratio. Basic parameters: 18 years — 45 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Patterns of Aortic Isthmus Doppler in Early Fetal Growth Restriction, Cross Sectional Comparative Study
Overview
This study aims to evaluate the patterns of aortic isthmus Doppler in fetuses diagnosed with early fetal growth restriction (FGR) and to correlate these findings with the severity of FGR and other Doppler parameters. A cross-sectional comparative observational study will be conducted on singleton pregnant women attending the fetal medicine unit at Assiut University Hospital. Participants will be divided into two groups: fetuses with FGR and normal controls. Doppler measurements including aortic isthmus indices, uterine artery, umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio, and ductus venosus will be assessed at a single time point. The study will help to clarify the clinical value of aortic isthmus Doppler in early detection and assessment of fetal compromise in FGR cases.
Detailed description
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality and is commonly associated with placental insufficiency. Early identification of fetal compromise remains a significant clinical challenge. Doppler assessment of fetal circulation has been widely used to monitor affected fetuses, including evaluation of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus.
The aortic isthmus represents a critical vascular junction reflecting the balance between cerebral and placental circulation. Changes in aortic isthmus Doppler patterns may provide early insights into fetal hemodynamic adaptation and deterioration in cases of FGR.
This cross-sectional comparative observational study will be conducted at the fetal medicine unit, Women's Health Hospital, Assiut University. The study population will include singleton pregnancies diagnosed with FGR (EFW \<10th percentile) and a control group of normal fetuses.
Participants will undergo a single-time Doppler assessment including fetal biometry, uterine artery PI, umbilical artery PI, middle cerebral artery PI, cerebroplacental ratio, ductus venosus PI, and aortic isthmus Doppler indices. The aortic isthmus flow will be classified based on the isthmic flow index (IFI) into five categories, reflecting progressive hemodynamic changes.
The primary objective is to determine the correlation between aortic isthmus Doppler changes and the severity of FGR based on estimated fetal weight percentiles. Secondary objectives include correlation of aortic isthmus findings with cerebroplacental ratio and ductus venosus parameters.
This study is designed as a pilot exploratory study due to limited previous data. Results are expected to enhance understanding of fetal hemodynamics and potentially improve monitoring strategies in pregnancies complicated by FGR.
Primary outcome measures
- Aortic Isthmus Pulsatility Index [Time frame: Day 1]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Cerebroplacental Ratio [Time frame: Day 1]
- Ductus Venosus Doppler [Time frame: Day 1]
- Uterine and Umbilical Artery Doppler [Time frame: Day 1]
- Isthmic Flow Index [Time frame: 1 day]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Singleton pregnancy
- Diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (estimated fetal weight <10th percentile for gestational age)
- Written informed consent obtained from the patient
Exclusion criteria
- Major fetal structural anomalies, especially cardiovascular anomalies
- Multiple pregnancy (e.g., twins)
- Suspected chromosomal abnormalities or genetic syndromes
- Severe maternal comorbidities affecting Doppler results (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, lupus)
- Uncertain gestational age
- Fetal demise before Doppler assessment
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07676708 · HannaMSc-E-iugr-2026