Adverse fetal outcomes in patients with IUGR are related with fetal diaphragm evaluation parameters

Abstract Introduction The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between diaphragmatic thickness, during both inspiratory (DTI) and expiratory (DTE) stages; diaphragmatic excursion (DE); diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF); and adverse fetal outcomes in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Materials and Methods A total of 77 participants were included in this case-control study. The case group was diagnosed as having both symmetric and asymmetric IUGR (n=39). The control group included gestational age (GA)-matched healthy pregnant women (n=38). DTI, DTE, DE (reflecting the capability of diaphragmatic movement during the respiratory cycle), and DTF were analyzed. Results Maternal demographic characteristics were similar between groups. DTI and DTE were significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to the control group (p Conclusion Measurement of DTI, DTE and DE may help clinicians to predict whether newborns with IUGR would require NICU hospitalization.