Perinatal Outcomes of Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) Defined by Delphi Criteria and Placental Growth Factor (PlGF): Preliminary Retrospective Data [ID 1303]

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to investigate the associations between placental growth factor (PlGF) levels and adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant patients diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR)/small for gestational age (SGA) by Delphi criteria. METHODS: Data were collected between June 2022 and August 2024. Placental growth factor levels were interpreted based on gestational age. Data were analyzed using Delphi criteria: early-onset FGR (less than 32-week estimated fetal weight [EFW], less than 3%); late-onset FGR (greater than 32-week EFW, less than 3%); early-onset SGA (less than 32-week EFW, 4–10%); late-onset SGA (greater than 32-week EFW, 4–10%). Perinatal outcomes were defined as abnormal placental morphology (ultrasound), preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), cesarean birth rates, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and confirmed maternal/fetal malperfusion (placental pathology). The study was approved by REB-USask #Bio3702. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients met the Delphi criteria for FGR/SGA. Low PlGF levels were more frequent in late-onset FGR (66%). There was a significant association between PLGF levels and the presence of FGR/SGA ( P =.01). Abnormal placental morphology was more frequent in early-onset (53%) and late-onset (56%) FGR. Preeclampsia was more frequent in late-onset FGR (44%) and late-onset SGA (56%). Intrauterine fetal demise was more frequent in late-onset SGA (11%). Cesarean birth rates were higher in all four categories of FGR/SGA (56–71%). Admission to NICU was 59% in early-onset FGR and 78% in late-onset FGR. Confirmed placental pathology findings were present in greater than 50% of early/late-onset FGR. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Low PlGF levels were associated with diagnosis of FGR/SGA (Delphi criteria). Early/late-onset FGR were associated with low PLGF levels, abnormal placental morphology, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, admission to NICU, and confirmed fetal/maternal vascular malperfusion. Late-onset SGA was associated with preeclampsia, IUFD, and cesarean birth.