Adrenal gland size in growth restricted fetuses

Abstract

Objective To compare the adrenal gland size of fetal growth restricted (FGR) and normal control fetuses. Study design In this prospective study the adrenal gland size of 63 FGR fetuses and 343 normal controls was measured between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation. The total width and the medulla width were measured in a new standardized transversal plane. The cortex width and a calculated ratio of the total and medulla width (adrenal gland ratio) were compared between both groups. Results The mean cortex width and the adrenal gland ratio in FGR fetuses were higher in comparison to the controls (P<0.001; P=0.036, respectively). The cortex width correlated positively with the gestational age (control group: P<0.001; FGR group: P=0.089) whilst the adrenal gland ratio showed no association with the gestational age (control group: P=0.153; FGR group: P=0.314). Conclusion The adrenal gland cortex width and the adrenal gland ratio were increased in FGR fetuses compared to normal fetuses.

The investigation of fetal adrenal gland sizes in the pregnancies complicated with the intrauterine growth restriction

“…In another study investigating the adrenal gland sizes in the fetuses diagnosed with IUGR, the authors found that total adrenal gland width and cortex width was significantly higher in the group with IUGR diagnosis than the control group. [10] Consistent with the literature, we also observed that total adrenal gland length and width and cortex width were significantly higher in the fetuses with IUGR diagnosis than the control group. In the light of current literature and the results of our study, it is possible to think that the chronic intrauterine hypoxia and chronic stress associated with the placental failure cause increases in the synthesis of fetal adrenal cortisol and fetal adrenal gland sizes by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis system.…”

“…Cortex width (the half of the difference between total width and medulla width) and the ratio of total width and medulla width was calculated. [9,10] The clinical management of the cases was conducted independent of fetal adrenal gland measurements and without the participation of the clinician who carried out ultrasonographic measurements. The demographic and obstetric characteristics of the cases were recorded.…”

Elevated renal tissue oxygenation in premature fetal growth restricted neonates: An observational study

“…In addition, repeat renal artery Doppler measurements during the these first three days after birth could have provided additional insight. As the neonatal sensors are relatively large for the FGR neonates, they may also have registered organs adjacent to the kidney, such as adrenal glands[ 41 ]. Based on previous literature we selected 1-hour intervals to increase comparability.…”

Longitudinal adrenal gland measurements and growth trajectories as risk markers for late preterm delivery

“…It is well known, that the fetal adrenal gland plays an important role in parturition [6]. As part of the fetal adrenocortical axis it is involved in the general fetal stress response [7][8][9][10].…”

“…The groups of Santipap et al as well as Agarwal reported that in patients with either threatened preterm labour or preterm labour an enlarged adrenal gland in combination with high levels of placental alpha macroglobulin-1 or cervical elastography respectively was effective in predicting preterm delivery within 7 days [17,18]. The adrenal gland ratio was reported to be independent of gestational age [9] and is therefore particular useful for screening.…”